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During Seattle’s freezing winter, The Salvation Army opened warming shelters, provided essential supplies, and conducted outreach to help those experiencing homelessness stay safe.
Seattle Street Level Program Manager Tina Lewis knows lower temperatures bring increased opportunities to connect with those sleeping on the streets. For the 16,385 individuals experiencing homelessness in King County, Washington, the extreme cold poses added challenges.
“One of the main priorities during the colder months is getting people safe and warm,” Lewis said. “We’ve noticed that people are more willing to engage with us when the weather is colder.”
To help, The Salvation Army Seattle Social Services, in partnership with the City of Seattle, King County and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, opened overnight warming shelters Jan. 10-16 and Feb. 2-8.
A 35-bed facility in the SoDo district and a 120-bed shelter at the Seattle Center provided refuge for those escaping the cold.
In addition to providing a warm place to sleep, The Salvation Army served meals and distributed blankets, backpacks and hand warmers.
The Seattle Street Level Outreach program operates year-round to provide immediate support and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. Lewis said winter operations pivot to address the urgent need for warmth and shelter to help people during harsh conditions.
“We go out and see if individuals are open to speaking with us,” Lewis said. “We tell people about available services and let them know we can help them get off the street and into a warming shelter that night.”
Once connected, clients can receive transportation to Salvation Army-operated warming shelters or other local shelters. According to The Salvation Army’s Seattle Divisional Homeless Services, the program serves 21 individuals a day.
“Oftentimes, we’re engaging with the same individuals each day, and they begin to build trust,” Lewis said. “They might decline help one day, but after seeing us return three more times, they’ll agree to assistance.”
Lewis said those without permanent housing often seek shelter and warmth during the day at libraries or day centers. As a result, Street Level Outreach teams have started visiting the Kent Library once a week to offer support.
“We adapt and meet people where they are to show them we’re serious about helping,” Lewis said.
In early February, Lewis said a visit to the Kent Library resulted in the team meeting a mother and her two adult sons, who struggle with mental health challenges and have remained unhoused for over a decade. The family decided to visit the library after learning about available resources from The Salvation Army and to take a break from the frigid temperatures.
“We had a conversation with her, and she expressed feeling agitated, sharing that she has struggled to find housing assistance for years,” Lewis said. “She also needed to replace her ID and birth certificate.”
After receiving the proper documents and with Lewis’ help, the family secured a two-bedroom apartment through Section 8 housing, giving them a place to call home.
“She was so happy and said she didn’t feel invisible anymore,” Lewis said. “She told her kids, ‘We don’t have to spend another winter out in the cold.’”
Fellow Seattle Street Level Ministries Program Manager Jonathan Shultz said instances of seeing people housed highlight the importance of consistent, purposeful outreach.
“The immediate relief and aid are always valuable and necessary,” Shultz said. “But when we see this open the door to further conversations, we can start to build lasting impact.”
He said building trust often involves listening to individuals’ needs or challenges and offering support or prayer when necessary.
“As The Salvation Army, we’re committed to turning our faith into action,” Shultz said. “Even if we have a day where we help just one person into shelter, that’s still a success.”
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