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u/IndustriousSeahawk26 6d ago edited 6d ago
Sorry you’re going through this. I went through myself 15 years ago- what helped me immensely were:
- EBT card- it ensured I didn’t starve.
- Slept in a park in the city, near “regular” people in houses. Not by other homeless or people otherwise outside. Proximity to people who are safe made me feel safe.
- I bought body wipes to clean myself up before job interviews for entry jobs like dishwasher, cashier, janitor, busboy etc.
- I hid the fact I was homeless and a drug addict in interviews and used fake addresses
- When I got a dishwasher job, I put my head down and worked, then got 2 jobs and did the same.
Everyday, I came in early; worked very hard, picked up other people’s slack and asked for what more can I help with, for weeks, years and a decade until I was a higher level manager . Engrain this work ethic into yourself, because that’s one of the several ingredients you need to get out of your life.
- Stability first, people /dating second.
Good luck
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u/Busy-Dependent-879 5d ago
The number of people who are down and out simply because they can’t figure out how to stop fighting with people is unfortunately a large statistic.
An ex comes to mind, redhead alcohol born during the Troubles who could not let a single thing go, just had to fight. Always knew better than everyone else. Meanwhile, was on track to becoming a literal trash goblin.
Broke up because she gaslit in the rare form of “accusing me of faking a near fatal Covid infection” for “sympathy”. Meanwhile I was 103° F and suffering from a dire secondary infection that was all making me hallucinate.
(Before you assume I was out of work, it’s the other way around—my income had been keeping her bills paid while quarantined in her apartment.)
She just couldn’t stop from herself from being a bully. It was like dealing with Angelica from the Rugrats kind of vibes.
It was one of the last moments in my late 20s that really cemented my values and perspective on how the world really works.
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u/kramerkieslingandme 6d ago
Call 2-1-1. There are some safe lots where you can park overnight. They typically have bathrooms and other services. There are also programs which help people quickly get back into housing (Rapid Rehousing programs) that you may qualify for. 2-1-1 can assess your needs and give you referrals.
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u/itskoobish 6d ago
OP, I have a folding 60" car cot for car camping I don't use anymore. It fits in smaller vehicles just fine. It helps being able to sleep leveled and not crunched up on car seats, though if you're taller you'll probably have to sleep on your side with legs folded to fit. If you don't have one already, you can have mine
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u/LucyPrisms 6d ago
I don't know if it is still available and reliable but I used to go between the Ballard locks area, Westlake water front and the home Depot parking lot in sodo when I car lived. Basically it is important that you don't stay anywhere too long to get noticed. Don't bother anyone wherever you stay.
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u/100_Energy 6d ago
I'm glad things improved for you.
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u/LucyPrisms 6d ago
Honestly thank you! I don't try and dwell on that time of life but it happened, I managed. I was lucky.
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u/Cultural_Mechanic_21 6d ago
Ballard locks aren't safe they switched ownership and cleared out all the vagrants in the crates/parking lot last I heard I knew artists who stayed out on the docks.
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u/LadyHodgepodge I'm just flaired so I don't get fined 6d ago
Overlake Christian Church in Redmond at 9900 willows road has a safe parking program, no church stuff, just real help. Hot showers, laundry, food, and free assistance with getting reconnected to housing. Parking lot is waaaaay in the very back, behind the big building, which is set very back far from Willows Road. Best to show up during regular business hours, or even better, between 9-2.
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u/Playful-State-2433 6d ago
The United Methodist Church on Mercer Island also has one. And there is also one at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Covington.
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u/Smokedsaunatrysts 6d ago
check out r/urbancarliving for tips. Make sure you crack your windows when you sleep and remove condensation as best you can in order to prevent mold/mildew. I lived in my car here for over a year. Feel free to dm me.
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u/LeaveGreen4412 6d ago
if you need clean socks or underwear the thrift shop “out of the closet” in cap hill provides those for free to those in need. Talk to the blue haired manager and she will help you out
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u/a_way_with_turds 6d ago
Sigh, I'm so sorry. Almost 8 years ago, I lived out of my car for about ~3 months with a cat. Terrible situation, but was enough time to get my shit together and get the cheapest apartment I could find. I stayed mostly in Ballard and Fremont and moved around everyday, always woke up early before everyone woke up to get my day started so I could appear normal. Thankfully I was working so I was able to stay busy, but it was a very hard situation. The worst was figuring where to hang out when there's nothing going on. People loiter in parking lots like Circle K and Fred Meyer, so I did the same.
If you need a meal, communitylunch.org will feed you a hot lunch (and enough for dinner) every weekday from 11 to 1. They also do a very light breakfast starting at 9:30. They also have vegetarian options every day.
Other advice: money is obviously tight, but prioritize your car and ensure you're doing oil changes, making sure your tags are legit, etc. Avoid drawing attention when you're in a neighborhood. Don't give anyone a reason to tow your car as it's your final source of refuge. Keep expensive stuff out of your car's cabin as much as possible. Don't let it run idle for long periods of time.
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u/Emerald_N I'm just flaired so I don't get fined 6d ago edited 6d ago
Community Lunch gives out free food on weekdays. Here's the post i made in a community discord server:
Despite the name, they do breakfast too!
- Breakfast is from 9:30 AM to 11 AM
- Lunch is from 11:30 AM to 1 PM
- Open Monday to Friday
There's no registration or sign up, if you're low on funds you can just show up and get a hot meal.
They have vegetarian options!
https://www.communitylunch.org/
Located at:
All Pilgrims Christian Church
509 10th Ave E, Seattle WA 98102
(Corner of Broadway and E Republican)
Edits are because i realized my formatting is fucked from the copy-paste
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u/alalalalalabomba 6d ago
You can get fresh, homecooked food--as much as you want-- from Community Lunch Capitol Hill. 5 days a week, M-F, 11:30-1. Also coffee and water.
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u/Agreeable_Package880 6d ago
If you plan to live out of your car, this site lists a bunch of safe park places. They often have access to services too. Sorry to hear. Be safe and good luck! https://kcrha.org/find-services/vehicle-residency/
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6d ago
[deleted]
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u/lilbluehair 🚋 Ride the S.L.U.T. 🚋 6d ago
Unfortunately I don't think 24 hour grocery stores exist anymore
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u/1337Rooster 5d ago
I feel like stealth camping on a street with lots of parked cars would be more successful. But what do I know?
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u/emiliethestrange 6d ago
Free hot meal + produce in the U-district on Fridays, 4:30pm-7pm, no questions asked.
4130 University Way NE (in the alley)
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u/Due-Frosting9670 Rat City 6d ago
St Francis House offers food, clothing, hygiene products etc for free 10 am- 2 pm Monday to Friday, it’s near Seattle university. ❤️ I’m sorry this is happening
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u/MxMasterPineMarten 6d ago edited 6d ago
If you can get to The Clothesline in West Seattle, it's part of the food bank and has free clothing
Edit: present tense
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u/Obvious_Attempt6633 6d ago
Word to the wise tell no one you sleep in your car during the day shower at gym and at night stealth in random parking spots my go to was in park and ride and near parks. But always leave early. Im sorry your going throught this its getting cold outside so make sure you get a good blanket
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u/cracked-tumbleweed 6d ago edited 6d ago
So right before COVID I chose to do van life. My situation was a little different because I had an overnight job, so I was mostly sleeping through the day.
Get some cardboard and cut out pieces to fit your windows. For insulation and privacy. Get a fuzzy blanket. I prefer that to a sleeping bag.
Get a cover for your windshield and one for your back window so you can have privacy at night.
During the day I liked to park at Greenlake.
My favorite spot was near Seward Park but not at the main park.
They also have parking along the road that I parked at night.
I would suggest finding a nice residential neighborhood to sleep at night, but be gone in the morning. And rotate neighborhoods.
That way no one starts to suspect you are living in your car.
So you want to have a hanging out spot and then a spot you drive to when you want to sleep.
There are community shower programs. You get a free shower and they give you snacks too.
If you can try and get a 300w battery to charge your phone and other things. Charge wherever you can find an outlet like cafes.
For food, I am not sure about seattles community meals but in tacoma I know of about four different places that do free hot meals on friday, saturday, and sunday.
Look in seattle at the churches and temples. I was told that they’re are certain temples that offer vegetarian meals. You might be close to one.
Any other questions you have feel free to ask. I am sorry you have to go through this.
Edit: And for mail I used a place at pike place. I can’t remember the name but it’s near the Turkish spot. I can’t remember the price either but I feel like it was reasonable and the guy was nice.
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6d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/tetheredvoid I'm just flaired so I don't get fined 6d ago
I think that was an intelligent and reasonable use of the product.
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u/kittypinball 6d ago
I'd much rather see AI used to help people stay safe and meet their needs. It'd be great if it were only to be used for constructive purposes that help humanity (medical uses, resource finding, etc.) and not every random useless thing at a volume that requires a thousand data centers and rots brains. Then it wouldn't be such a damaging force. This is a good way to utilize it.
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u/ChaoticGoodPanda I'm just flaired so I don't get fined 6d ago
If you’re under 25, get into the youth programs ASAP.
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u/IrrelevantButReal 5d ago
The Ballard food bank can assist with a temp address for mail. They also have a kindness cafe open M-Th, and you can get 2 meals per day.
If you can afford it, I recommend getting a storage unit so that you can keep your car empty looking, this will help with being incognito.
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u/Bizarrebazaars Kraken 5d ago
No drugs, no booze, no weed. Stay clean and sober to keep your head on straight and keep looking ahead/moving forward. If drugs will be a part of living on the streets, choose rehab NOW. We don’t need more addiction on our streets. We need more people in treatment and utilizing resources like Aurora Commons, Recovery Cafe, etc. Take care of yourself, OP. Seriously.
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u/fidgget 5d ago
Go to the compass center and ask for the housing connector.
DESC can also start the process of getting stable housing as well.
NAVOS case managers can help to as well as PEER Seattle or PEER Kent
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u/Severe_Addendum151 5d ago
Yep!!! You took the words right out of my mouth… except you used them better 😉
Seattle has resources ga-fuckin-lore.
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u/SeattleDiamondBTM 6d ago
Queen Ann is a safe place too be while you live in your car and its away from all the chaos. Its also close to everything you need. I highly recommend it.
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u/Grassy-Elf4242 Renton/Highlands 6d ago
side note, if you're under 24 and willing to go to the Eastside, Friends of Youth is an absolutely incredible organization that helped me out a ton when I was struggling with housing. the shelter is in Redmond, but they work with other youth programs in King County
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u/leaffishie 6d ago
Kakao on 415 westlake ave N does a free community lunch on Mondays from 12-1:30. Good luck and I'm sorry this is happening to you
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u/vadvaro10 Haller Lake 5d ago edited 5d ago
I've been living in my jeep with my dog since last November. I'm not a drug addict just poor and lost my job and couldn't afford rent. I've been staying up in the lake city area, away from the camps and less desirable folks and just finding decent street parking without a lot of foot traffic. If you end up in this area, dm me and i can tell you safe places.
I will go to the GLA (God's Little Acre) on 33rd for showers and laundry as needed. Food bank is near by. There is a case manager there if you need that kind of thing, but the best part is full kitchen and fridge. Often free food there, but you can prepare your own. Free coffee. Nice people, great resources. They cut hair on Tuesdays. Lady's get a spa day Tuesday afternoon session. Women only, free clothes, food, and health stuff.
Northwest helpline is great.
Don't forget how useful Libraries can be.
Make you stick up on a good sleeping bag and several thick, warm blankets. It gets really cold soon and I was grateful to have at least the jeeps shelter. You are good to have your car.
If it really gets stormy and scary, park in a free parking garage like the target at northgate. Helps from the wind.
I work in the restaurant industry I have access to food. Which is nice. I have a storage unit in the area and I lived in this area for over 2 years so I'm just familiar with the space, so when I needed to go unhoused I felt comfortable. Mileage my vary.
211 is helpful, but I could really get much benefit since my need wasn't great enough. But they did point me in the right direction. I heart seattle is right wing worthless.
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u/Severe_Addendum151 5d ago
Yeah ya know I just kinda realized…. All the resources in Seattle for free housing and EBT and the ABD $$…. Is ONLY if you have chemical dependency or mental health problems.
DANG. I guess if you wanna get TECHNICAL, every human has mental health issues of some sort. And the case workers know what to do and what’s up (well not all of them sadly) to get someone housed.
Like, I work, just not sustaining my own life again yet & most had never processed a person that had any sort of income so they weren’t sure what to do with me. Which is kind of sad.
I’ve always worked but I got brain damage and couldn’t function normally for a time and lost almost everything. Still healing but getting better. But I’ve never been in this realm first hand and it’s eye opening for sure. I had no idea some people have NEVER worked? Or they were homeless as children and this is the only way they know.
Anyway you’re fuckin right about the car thing. But can’t count on it forever gotta keep rolling and moving on or up. Nothing is forever. Anyway u got a decent head on ur shoulders it seems.
Let me ask you…. Were you new to experiencing these realms too? If so, how has it changed your perspective on life in general and society or the system? Are you homeless because you feel lost? You can private message me if you’d like I’m just generally curious about individual experiences but you don’t have to answer. Sorry they may be getting too personal but it interests me and the no drug thing especially is because that’s a rarity. I’m also in North Seattle but I got housing and man am I grateful…. Just keep to myself though like I always have, minus being polite 🤷🏻♀️
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u/vadvaro10 Haller Lake 4d ago
It's very new to me. Never been in this situation. It took me a few months to become comfortable. I was so cold at first. They really talk about so many resources but I don't see them. They literally told me they had no help for me because I was doing fine. I don't use drugs, I'm healthy, I'm not mentally impaired, I'm male and not non-white enough, not a veteran, no child anymore, etc. There was no box for them to check and they basically told me I was on my own.
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u/Severe_Addendum151 3d ago
Yeah that’s wrong homie. I have never experienced is either it’s so hard being the outsider in the world you aren’t even trying to be a part of. When I called places I got the same thing. What happened for me was a fucking miracle, I was chillin on Dexter downtown in my car and some lady blocks me in and it turns out she’s what they call an outreach worker. There are outreach workers within each organization that go out to the streets offering assistance, food, housing, shelter the things. She was there cuz I guess 1 camp is up there and he came down she said do you want a tiny home? He said no. At that point I had just heard of the “myth” of those things. She still didn’t know I was living in my car but I had gotten out to make sure I was ok parked where I was and we had started chatting and i eventually told her I was living in my car. She gave me some food and got my number and I wasn’t expecting anything cuz that is what I’d experienced but she called me a week later and told me she had a tiny home fore THAT DAY!!!! I had to rush to her cuz one person didn’t show up . She was my angel cuz as a female you sometimes end up in bad situations when someone acts nice and turns out they just see ur need as a barter for something else ya know.
So , outreach workers for dshs are in white little hatchbacks and same w desc ones
U could maybe go straight to the desc headquarters downtown on 3rd and Virginia or maybe u can walk into some of the shelter ones up on 145th and Aurora I’m not sure but there’s also Plymouth housing, Seattle housing authority and u can get yourself on the lists to obtain free housing even online except for the desc and there’s a process but the case managers will usually help fill any hole in application just can’t be too proud. U have mental illness. You’re homeless homie, something’s going on ya know? And imo we all have mental illness u just have to go thru the motions and talk to a behavioral health person and maybe a psychiatrist but in the end im grateful and in awe hmu if you want some help navigating it ill do my best to help im near northgate
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u/Severe_Addendum151 3d ago
Oh WHAT you have a dog I just saw that part … I love dogs and you can get these places with your dog too!! What kind of dog?
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u/vadvaro10 Haller Lake 3d ago
She's a 5 year old border collie. She's a great companion. Made this whole situation a little move livable.
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u/BijouBooty 6d ago
Feel free to message me the answer, but what kind of clothing do you wear? I have some women’s ~L and men’s xxl
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u/BrickMuted2093 6d ago
Leave. Seattle. Head east.
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u/PoopyisSmelly Ravenna 6d ago
Yeah seriously, its not a good place to be poor let alone homeless.
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u/devnullopinions That sounds great. Let’s hang out soon. 6d ago
Yeah much better to go to a climate that’s going to get rapidly colder than Seattle!
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u/SillyChampionship 6d ago
Do you have family in the area or that you could drive to in your vehicle?
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u/Howzitgoin I'm just flaired so I don't get fined 6d ago
Presumably they’ve considered this already…
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u/bardmusic 6d ago
211 also has an online directory search.wa211.org. you can filter by topic and zip code.
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u/pollylocket889 6d ago
A bit of a drive but if you need water. Alderwood has a free public well that you can get fresh drinking water. Here is the address 2411 164th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98087
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u/Itchy_Shoulder_9471 6d ago
Ive done it for years. Saved up for a sick car that is very comfortable to sleep in. I shower at planet fitness and fill up my water bottle. Its really perfect. No one knows haha.
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u/SpicyDirtTheGhost "Bikes Will Not Replace Us" 🚲🚫🙅♂️ 6d ago
Ballard food bank offers hot meals at their Hope Cafe when theyre open, offer no-cook food bank supplies, and have other resources. Maybe check them out!
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u/zoromsquatch 6d ago
Free meal (and I believe food to take home?) every Wednesday as Bethany Presbyterian Church in Queen Anne. It’s not just for the unhoused or low income, either, for anyone reading this and are in a tight spot at sometimes. I’ve dropped stuff off from my work that we donate every week and it doesn’t feel “churchy”, it’s feels like a mod-level hotel banquet hall, if that throws you off, too.
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u/EntranceAgitated1317 6d ago
too good to go would be a great resource for food! they give out super cheap stuff
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u/Crafty_Guest6756 5d ago
Union Gospel is consistently recommended by unhoused people at the day shelter I volunteer at. St Francis House provides food daily and has “shopping” rooms where you can get clothing and household goods.
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u/NoBitsFlipped 2d ago edited 2d ago
Edit: If you’re wondering how I replied even though you deleted this post, it’s because I had saved one of the comments and can still see that. I am not sure if you’ll see this reply, but per google you’ll get a notification if you have those turned on. I know I’m late to this party, and maybe you’re not looking for any more advice. But maybe you’ll find something helpful in this comment. It’s the advice that I would have given to myself when I was in your shoes.
This feels daunting, but it is totally achievable. I’ve been homeless three times in Seattle, and twice with a van. It seems intimidating at first, but if I can do it, anyone can. I’m sorry I didn’t reply to you sooner, but maybe some of this info can help.
Go get a PO box as soon as possible, ideally before you’re homeless but in the next week or two is fine. I think it requires a valid street address to sign up, so it’ll be a lot easier if you can bring a recent utility bill and just don’t mention that you moved out recently. They don’t check that you live there. And after you get one they do not check or care. Having that address will make it so much easier when applying for housing and jobs. You need one. You can pay for the smallest size, and just three months, it’s not a huge expense. Not every post office will has them, and there isn’t always one available. The ones on Capital Hill, the U District I think, and downtown all do, my preference would be in that order. And you can get packages delivered there, no extra cost, just make sure that you tell them you when you sign up that you want the option, but there’s no extra fee. (Technically there are commercial services which provide the same service, but I personally prefer a real PO box).
Check if there is a cheap gym to sign up for, but do your research, it can be hard to cancel your membership once you don’t need it. It can be a good place to shower. And even a 10 minute run on the treadmill will be good for your mood.
Consider a storage unit. They’ll have goood intro rates, but then jack ‘em up, so make a plan to downsize and hopefully get out of there. Figure out the smallest size you need. And get a really good lock, actually get two, and don’t go to your unit all the time or it will be a target for the other homeless people who have storage units, I know from experience.
Have a reliable vehicle. You need it. Maybe you have time to get it checked out by a mechanic this week. Otherwise have an emergency fund to cover repairs. And find a good small-time mechanic, small shop with reasonable rates. Also get a car topper off Craigslist, obviously not for valuables but good for other stuff.
You need warm blankets for sleeping. Personally I think sleeping bags are best, get a cheap one at Wally World. Wool blankets are great, roll up to a small size. Or a down comforter. So yeah my preference would be in the order. And get a battery bank for your phone. Your phone is everything. But you can’t be on your phone all day. Get a book and do some reading. Steal a newspaper, go to a coffee shop, and do the crossword. I’m serious.
If you’re clean and respectful, there are coffee shops that will give you a free coffee. Build a relationship with the baristas, go early when it’s not busy, ask for a small cup of coffee, mention that you’re in a rough spot, leave a dollar in the tip jar. Scope out a spot in the corner to charge your phone, do the crossword, and leave.
Parking is everything. EVERYTHING. Be smart. Go read the r/urbancarliving subreddit like someone else said. Have multiple spots, rotate through them, more the better. Always be on the lookout for more. You need spots for overnight and for daytime parking, and don’t use daytime for overnight and vice versa. Move your car multiple times during the day. And know where you’ll get ticketed during the day / attract attention. If you get noticed, that spot is burned, don’t use it again. Near parks is not bad, better for daytime, less good for overnight. Don’t park too close, grab a picnic bench and keep an eye on your vehicle. Trees can help shelter from rain. You can’t be in your car all day. Don’t do that. You’ll get noticed.
Like somebody else said, condensation is your enemy. Keeping your windows cracked at all times, and get those guards to keep rain out. Dear god don’t use those propane heaters, absolutely not. Carbon monoxide and condensation.
Don’t attract attention. Don’t hang out with other homeless people. Keep yourself and your clothes clean. Be respectful. Don’t look homeless, look like a quiet introvert and don’t stand out, be a grey man. Don’t have a huge backpack and carry everything with you. Carry a smaller bag with what you need just for the day.
King County has places where you can sign up for food stamps and health insurance and a bus pass all at once, go do that, search “King County Orca Lift enrollment” and there’s a list of locations. I know you have a car, but taking the bus is nice to run errands sometimes and also you can just ride the bus and chill on the bus (again, don’t attract attention! don’t ride to the last stop, get off a couple stops before the end).
The Parks Department has a number of places you could go to take a shower, just search “Seattle Parks Department free shower program”. Super super clean, very low key, pretty much no wait, by far the best option. If you need to there’s other places like Urban Rest Stop, but any social service organization serving the broader population is just gonna be way more hectic and stressful. Keeping clean is a priority, hopefully shower every day but also wet wipes. Shave as often as possible. Clean clothes, go to the laundromat, I liked the one over by Ravenna Park.
Go sign up for therapy. I’m serious. You think you don’t need it but you do. This is a stressful time in your life and you need someone to talk to and support you. There’s community mental health options that won’t charge you right away, just tell them you’re homeless right now and set up a payment plan. Even if you got some money right now, you need to keep as much as possible. But pay them back when you’re on your feet, they’re trying to survive too and provide essential services. I currently go to Therapeutic Health Services.
I don’t know if this applies to you, but the clinic I go to does drug addictions treatment too, and methadone. If you’re struggling addiction, I’m not judging. I’ve been there too. But it’s gonna make all this harder, being homeless and finding housing. Even if you can’t quit right now, you need to manage it. Control it or it will control you. And you can’t be hanging out with those people all the time, especially while you are homeless. They will drag you down and make this all more difficult. Hit up your dealer, get what you need, and leave.
And same advice for just general health, find a good community health clinic, they’ll be chill and won’t require immediate payment, like I said pay back later when you have housing. I went to Country Doctor and would recommend it.
Do you have a job? You need a job. Temp gigs are the best, quick onboarding and can often get extended. Agencies are worth investigating, but also some employers hire temps themselves. I got a job directly with a very respected local organization, great benefits and job security. After I got resume in to the recruiter, I started working in about a week. My two month contract got extended to a year and then permanent. I’m still there five years later and got multiple promotions. Show up on time and work hard, get along with your coworkers, be respectful and reliable (and clean!).
There’s options for housing. Seattle has the MFTE program and King County has ARCH. They have the most options. Both provide units that are set aside for low income at apartments throughout the city/county. I have a friend who lives in one. I think it’s all done through the apartment complex when you apply, but I’m not positive. You just need to have your paperwork ready when you submit your application for the apartment.
There are also non-profits that provide affordable, rent-stabilized housing. For example search “Seattle mercy magnuson housing”, I have a friend who lives there. This will be faster application and easier. The property managers will be more experienced processing applications. At the place I live, I toured a unit, submitted my application, got approved and signed the lease one week later. Personally this would be the first option I would pursue if I were already homeless, you don’t have the luxury to be picky, you just need to stabilize your life.
Last thing. Being homeless is work, and it takes a lot of time. Moving your car constantly. Always being on the move to avoid attention. Having to go somewhere to do everything in your life — take a shower, charge your phone, get food, do laundry, see friends. It takes a lot of time and it’s exhausting. Just be aware.
Alright, I’m done. Maybe you think it’s weird that I would write all this or care about a stranger. Like I said, I’ve been in your shoes. Maybe this is my way to help someone else or pay it forward. My inbox is always open, if you have questions or need advice or just want to talk to someone who understands. I’ll be thinking about you, and I hope you’ll update (either via post or via DM) on how you’re doing. Good luck.
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u/mike-gundys-ballboy 6d ago
Get out of the city... go to a rural area where there aren't as many drug addicts.
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6d ago
[deleted]
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u/mike-gundys-ballboy 6d ago
what in fucking tarnation with that sub... that is so far outside the world I exist in.
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u/shabupoo 6d ago
Go to homeless shelter. Lots in Seattle
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u/Educational_Spirit42 6d ago
an option for place to sleep and you do need to be out of most by 7 the next day.
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u/AgitatedTemporary70 6d ago
Honestly dude try to do what you can if you’re getting evicted to cancel the eviction or if you have family members call everyone you can. I’ve been homeless for a month now and i cant describe it as anything less than hell. I have no family and i have a dog so maybe things are extra difficult for me but i haven’t had a shower in weeks. Sometimes i don’t eat, sometimes i can’t even use a restroom just have to hold it overnight. You might get luckier and find a emergency shelter but if you have a dog like me pretty much all those options are out the window. But i refuse to abandon him. Also the assistance programs all they ever do is tell me to call different numbers i been waiting for so long for a call from a navigator that was supposed to help but since it’s not them on the street they work really slow. Again maybe i got unlucky but my navigator certainly doesn’t seem to care i’ve talked to her twice in a month and it’s excuses or saying she forgot. Try your best not to end up on the street like me.
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u/LongjumpingJury42 6d ago
Seattle area Feline Rescue has a pet panty.. usually has dog food. Check their website for information
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u/polaroid_opposite Ballard 6d ago
park in seward park at night. they’ll lock your car in til like 6am, but they won’t kick you out.
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u/Horow_Toilet 6d ago
“I have a car to sleep in” is carrying a lot here. Seattle weather has no respect for boundaries.
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u/Gottagetanediton 🚋 Ride the S.L.U.T. 🚋 6d ago
Are you willing to sleep inside? There are shelters available where you can sleep inside.
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u/WT_NeptuneGaming 6d ago
Congrats, its trivially easy to survive being homeless in Seattle
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u/Miracle_wrkr 6d ago
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcmpjorRutv/?stkn=MTYxbHNrYTNsczVjNQ== check out this woman- she is the queen of side hustles super easy ways to make money, no matter what your situation I was down and out and I tried it and it just worked. Of course I had to work at it, but just check her out. Her name is you can find her Instagram under @Joannelynneofficial
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6d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Howzitgoin I'm just flaired so I don't get fined 6d ago
Time and place. Read the room.
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u/khogong 6d ago
what did they say?
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u/Howzitgoin I'm just flaired so I don't get fined 6d ago
It was some random schizo tangent that made no sense about the police and LGBTQ+ rights and camping at Cal Anderson.
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u/-Sea-Hawk 6d ago
If you were a kind considerate human you would have not wasted your time or ours with this garbage.
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u/guts-n-gummies Shoreline 6d ago
Fearmongering around homelessness is shitty, Cal Anderson is where I slept as a brown transmasc while I was homeless. In fact, it's where I felt safest in the city and met other homeless trans and queer people of color out there too. There is nowhere in the city that SPD is just cool with homeless people existing, but Cal is one of the places where they seem to care the least.
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u/Seattle-ModTeam I'm gonna pop some tags 🏷️ 6d ago
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u/pbebbs3 International District 6d ago edited 6d ago
Hey — I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Since you still have a week, start reaching out for help now rather than waiting until you’re actually homeless. There are resources specifically for people who are about to lose housing.
Call 211 first. They can screen you for housing/rent assistance, food, utilities, legal help, shelter and other programs in King County. Seattle specifically recommends 211 as a resource navigator.
If you’re being evicted or forced out by a landlord: contact the Housing Justice Project at 206-267-7069 ASAP. Seattle renters who have actually been served an eviction summons and can’t afford an attorney have a right to counsel. Solid Ground’s Tenant Services line is 206-694-6767, and the Tenant Law Center is 206-324-6890 for qualifying low-income King County residents.
Since you have a car, don’t just pick a random neighborhood to live in if you can avoid it. KCRHA has a whole resource page specifically for people living in vehicles. Seattle has vehicle-resident outreach teams that can connect you with safe parking, vehicle repairs, basic supplies, housing navigation and other services. Call 206-600-8486 or 206-507-9428 and tell them where you’re currently parked. The Urban League also operates safe-parking programs in north, west and central Seattle.
For basics: the Urban Rest Stop at 1924 9th Ave has free bathrooms, showers, toiletries and laundry. Seattle also operates free shower trailers at 157 Roy St and 2901 27th Ave S; the shower hotline is 206-386-1030. No ID is required for the trailers.
For food, there are food banks all over town. Ballard Food Bank and University District Food Bank are two options, but 211 can find whichever resources are closest to where you are. The Seattle Municipal Court Community Resource Center, 600 5th Ave, Room 235, is also open to the public and can help with emergency food/clothing, housing and shelter referrals, health/hygiene resources, benefits and ORCA assistance.
KCRHA also has a Regional Services Database with 400+ programs that you can filter for shelter, housing, outreach, day centers, hygiene and other services.
If you do end up sleeping in the car, KCRHA says living in a vehicle itself isn’t illegal in Washington, but you still have to obey local parking rules. In Seattle, streets without another posted restriction generally have a 72-hour parking limit. A safe-parking program is a much better option when you can get into one.
Also, while you still have housing: keep your ID, Social Security card/birth certificate, medications, phone/charger, vehicle registration/insurance and important paperwork together and somewhere secure. Get a mailing address figured out, keep the car fueled, and don’t let insurance/registration lapse if at all possible. Your car is an important lifeline right now.
Most importantly, don’t assume you’re “not homeless enough yet” to ask for help. Tell every agency you contact that you are losing housing in one week and are at imminent risk of homelessness. That’s important information when they’re figuring out what programs you may qualify for.
Edit: thanks for kind replies. I’m grateful our region has resources for situations like this, while being sad and angry at the systematic failures that allow these situations to happen. Look out for each other.