Emergency Shelter Tonight

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 need somewhere to sleep tonight, let's get you to the right door, fast. I'm so glad you reached out.

Shelter in Washington is organized county by county, so the first call matters most. Dial 211, say your county, and say "I need shelter tonight." If you're in danger, call 911 first. If you're fleeing a partner, call the Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.562.6025 for a confidential safe place.

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.

How do I find a bed tonight?

What is Coordinated Entry?

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Keep your contact info current

If your phone number changes, call your Coordinated Entry contact and update it. Missing a call can mean missing a spot!

What kinds of shelter are there?

• Night by night shelters. Beds for one night at a time, often first come, first served.
• Enhanced shelters. Open around the clock, with case managers and storage. Many in King County work this way.
• Family shelters. For parents with kids. Mary's Place serves families in King County.
• Youth shelters. For people under 18 or young adults 18 to 24. See Guide 10.
• Domestic violence shelters. Confidential locations for survivors and their kids. See Guide 8.
• Severe weather shelters and warming centers. Open when it's very cold, snowy or smoky.
• Tiny house villages. Some cities, including Seattle and Tacoma, run villages with small heated units.

What if the shelters are full?

You deserve a safe place to rest. Keep reaching out. Someone will help.

From the Bunklow team

How do I stay safe tonight?

• Stay near people you trust, in lit areas.
• Keep ID, medicines and your phone on your body.
• If you have kids with you, tell the shelter right away so they can find family space.
• If you have a pet, ask 211 which shelters allow animals.
• If you use drugs, never use alone. Carry naloxone if you can. See Guide 7.
• If someone is threatening you, call 911.

What about cold, heat and smoke?

Washington weather can be dangerous. Cities and counties open extra space during freezing temperatures, snow, extreme heat and wildfire smoke.

• Dial 211 to find warming centers, cooling centers and clean air shelters.
• Libraries and community centers often serve as warming and cooling spots during open hours.
• Wet clothes make cold more dangerous. Change into dry socks as soon as you can.

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Dry socks matter

In Washington's rain, dry socks can protect your feet and keep you warmer. Pack an extra pair in a plastic bag!

Where can I go during the day?

Many shelters close during the day. Day centers fill the gap with a warm place to sit, showers, meals, laundry and help making calls.

• Ask 211 for day centers and hygiene centers in your city.
• Libraries across Washington welcome everyone during open hours, with Wi-Fi, restrooms and computers. Many have staff who can help you find services.
• Meal programs often serve breakfast and lunch. See Guide 4.

What about my belongings?

• Ask shelters and day centers if they have storage lockers.
• Keep important papers in a zip bag, and take photos of them.
• If a city plans to clear an encampment, Washington cities usually post notice first. Ask outreach workers where belongings are stored and how to get them back.

Can I sleep in my car?

Some Washington communities run safe parking programs, where people living in vehicles can park overnight in a set lot with restrooms and case management. Ask 211 if there's one near you.

• Keep your registration and insurance in the car if you can.
• Park in well lit, legal spots, and keep a window cracked for air.
• Never run the engine in a closed space.

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Tell someone your plan

Let a friend or family member know where you'll be tonight. It's a simple step that keeps you safer!

What are my rights at a shelter?

• Shelters must follow fair housing and civil rights laws. They can't turn you away because of your race, religion, national origin, disability or gender identity.
• If you have a disability, you can ask for a reasonable accommodation, like a lower bunk or space for a service animal.
• If you think you were treated unfairly, you can contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/

Moving from shelter to a home

Shelter is a first step. While you're there:

• Complete your Coordinated Entry assessment.
• Ask the case manager about rapid rehousing and rent help.
• Apply for Basic Food, cash help and Apple Health if you haven't yet. See Guide 1.
• Work on getting ID and documents back. See Guide 11.
• Read Guide 3, Housing Help, for vouchers and housing authorities.

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.

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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.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

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.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Washington rights and support

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 shelter 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