Youth and Young Adults

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. If you're young and on your own, or worried you might be soon, you matter. There are people in Washington whose whole job is to help you be safe, stay in school and find a place to live.

Here's the easy first step: call or text the National Runaway Safeline at 800.786.2929, any time. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Who can I talk to right now?

• National Runaway Safeline: 800.786.2929, 24/7. Talk about what's going on, get connected to shelter, or get help going home if that's safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.1800runaway.org/
• Teen Link: 866.833.6546. Trained teens answer in the evenings and talk about anything. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://crisisconnections.org/programs/teen-link/
• 988: Call or text if you're in crisis or thinking about suicide.
• The Trevor Project: 866.488.7386, 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ young people. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Where can young people stay?

Washington has shelters and programs just for young people. The state Office of Homeless Youth funds youth shelters, HOPE centers for minors, and housing for young adults across the state.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.commerce.wa.gov/homelessness-response/

• HOPE centers give minors a safe place to stay for a short time while staff help plan next steps.
• Crisis residential centers serve teens in family conflict.
• Young adult shelters and housing serve people ages 18 to 24.
• Dial 211 or call 800.786.2929 for youth beds in your county.

BUNKLY TIP

You can ask questions first

It's okay to call a youth program just to ask how it works before you decide anything!

What are my rights at school?

If you don't have a stable place to live, you have rights under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. That includes staying with friends because you lost your home, living in a car, motel or shelter, or being on your own without a parent.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/access-opportunity-education/students-experiencing-homelessness

• You can enroll in school right away, even without records, proof of address or a parent.
• You can stay at your school of origin when it's in your best interest, and get transportation.
• You can get school meals and help with supplies and fees.
• Every district has a McKinney-Vento liaison. Ask the school office.

What help is there if I'm leaving foster care?

• Extended Foster Care lets eligible young people stay in care until age 21 while in school, working or in a program. Ask DCYF. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/
• Independent Living services help with life skills, housing and education.
• The Passport to Careers program helps former foster youth with college and apprenticeship costs. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wsac.wa.gov/
• Ask your caseworker or DCYF about housing programs for young adults leaving care.

Your story isn't over. There are people ready to help you write the next chapter.

From the Bunklow team

Can I get food and health coverage on my own?

• Apple Health covers kids and teens up to age 19, and many young adults. Apply through Washington Healthplanfinder at 855.923.4633. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/
• Teens 13 and older in Washington can get some health care on their own, like mental health counseling and reproductive health care.
• Young people living on their own may apply for Basic Food. Ask DSHS at 877.501.2233.

How do I find a job?

• WorkSource youth programs help people ages 16 to 24 with job training and work experience. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.worksourcewa.com/
• Job Corps offers training and housing for people ages 16 to 24. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/
• If you're under 18, there are limits on work hours, and your employer needs a minor work endorsement. L&I has the rules. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/

Help for LGBTQ+ young people

LGBTQ+ young people deserve safe, affirming support. Many Washington youth programs are LGBTQ+ friendly, and you can ask about that when you call. The Trevor Project offers support 24/7 at 866.488.7386. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

BUNKLY TIP

You belong

You deserve people who accept you as you are. Keep looking until you find them!

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

BUNKLY TIP

Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Federal help that works in every state

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

My appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 21, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 21, 2026