Shelter, Food, and other Resources
The Lambert House Drop-In Center provides a free LGBTQ+ youth community dinner every night at 6pm, often has snacks when open at 4pm, and also offers clothing, hygiene supplies, resource navigation, and other supports for houseless LGBTQ+ youth. Youth ages 22 and younger are welcome to come to the drop-in center for an Orientation on their first visit, and access our resources.
Safe Place is a national program that provides on-site case management and support to youth ages 12-17 to find a safe place to sleep, including transportation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. King and Snohomish counties have Safe Place programs that can collaborate if a minor is in Snohomish and needs to go to King, and visa versa. For a list of all Safe Place locations, visit https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/where-is-safe-place
Safe Place can also provide information and support to young adults (18+) or other agency staff over the phone, but cannot meet adults in person or provide transportation.
Text “SAFE” and your current address/location to 4HELP (44357) for the nearest Safe Place site where you can wait safely for a Safe Place staffer or call 1-800-422-TEEN (8336)
New Horizons provides food, showers, laundry, case management, and medical services to youth ages 13-25, and shelter to youth ages 18-25. https://nhmin.org/get-help/
ROOTS provides food, showers, laundry, clothing, case management, and shelter to youth ages 18-25. https://rootsinfo.org/needshelter
YouthCare provides drop-in services and shelter for youth 12-24. Other services include meals, computers, showers, laundry, clothing, case management, and more. https://youthcare.org/get-help/
Teen Feed provides dinners for teens in the University District, at different locations, seven days a week, along with other supportive services for homeless teens & youth. http://www.teenfeed.org/programs/
YMCA Social Impact Center has Resources for individuals, families, schools, and partners including behavioral, mental, and emotional support for all ages; a safe place for all youth and young adults; foster care and family reunification; and support for youth and young adult development. https://www.seattleymca.org/social-impact-center
Seattle Hygiene and Bathroom Resource Map is compiled by the City of Seattle Human Services Department and includes resources within the City of Seattle. http://www.seattle.gov/humanservices/services-and-programs/addressing-homelessness#hygienehttps://www.seattleymca.org/accelerator/
The A.S.H. Kit is a customized resource offered by I Support the Girls for female, trans, and non-binary youth with periods to access a variety of products including maturation supplies, underwear, chest binders, and more. Learn more and request your kit online: https://isupportthegirls.org/programs/ash-kits/
Transitional Living Resources
A possible next step for houseless young adults who want a longer-term, supportive housing option is called Transitional Living. Most Transitional Living programs across King County are accessed through a process called Coordinated Entry.
From the Coordinated Entry website: “The purpose of Coordinated Entry (CE) is to ensure streamlined access points to Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Re-Housing, and Transitional Housing are available to people experiencing homelessness in King County. It is one of the first steps for people experiencing a housing crisis. Currently, there is not enough housing for people who qualify through Coordinated Entry to house everyone experiencing homelessness in King County. There is no guarantee that a household will be connected to a housing resource through Coordinated Entry, or if they are, meet the eligibility criteria for the housing resource. Coordinated Entry does not create new housing; it’s a system to connect people experiencing homelessness to limited specialized housing resources.“
Coordinated Entry Access Points are available across King County specifically for young adults ages 17-24. Visit the Coordinated Entry website, scroll down to Regional Access Points, and expand the menu “Resources for Teens and Young Adults” to see the locations, hours, and instructions for scheduling an appointment.
Independent Housing Resources
Advise for Finding Safe Housing
Many of the tips offered by SAGE for LGBTQ+ seniors are applicable to all ages: LGBTQ+ Welcoming Housing Self-Advocacy Tips
LGBTQIA+ Renters Guide To Finding Safe & Legal Housing by TransVitae
Searching for properties:
Solid-Ground.org has a great list for PNW housings resources, legal advice, and examples of letters to provide landlords.
Community Roots Housing is based in Capitol Hill and operates a number of housing plexes. They are LGBTQ+ affirming and have a searchable database.
Bellwether Housing offers affordable units across Puget Sound.
mfte-seattle.com has listings of affordable housing units across the Seattle area; affordable housing units have reduced rental rates and are available based on income.
aptfinder.org is a is a non-profit website formed to connect low income households with affordable apartment communities throughout Washington State.
HousingSearchNW.org - a free resource to help you find a home in the state of Washington that fits your needs and budget.
There are many queer housing groups on Facebook. While Lambert House cannot endorse any advice from social media, these can still be a good places to start. You can always approach a volunteer for guidance on how to be safe while searching! One example: https://kctransguide.org/seattle-queer-housing/
The City of Seattle also has an interactive map of affordable rentals
Other resources
WA State LGBTQ Commission also has guidance and lists of advocates for LGBTQ folk navigating housing
The YWCA operates a regional housing access service out of Renton (but serves the Seattle region) and can help you navigate your search
The Urban League of Seattle can also help with possible rent assistance and housing counseling.
PEER Seattle can hook you up with a housing navigator! Call or email them.
Disclaimer
Lambert House’s resource list is for reference purposes only. Lambert House is not liable for the quality of housing you may find. By offering this resource list, Lambert House in no way endorses the use of a particular provider or agency’s services. Lambert House makes no representations, and assumes no obligations, regarding the choice or quality of housing, landlord, or other condition of housing you may find through resources on this page.