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Connections
A comprehensive daytime service and referral center that addresses the needs of homeless men and women by providing individualized support, basic skills training and referrals to local services and housing.
HOURS: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM / seven days a week

REFERRALS: Accepted on a walk-in basis at 505 Third Avenue or by phone at (206) 515-1555.  Self-referrals are accepted.

Connections aims to eliminate existing barriers that prevent homeless men and women from securing and retaining livable wage jobs and stable, affordable housing. Connections staff work with clients one-on-one to create comprehensive plans to secure housing and employment that will end their homelessness and give them hope for an improved future. 

Unlike other DESC programs, Connections serves men and women whose homelessness appears to be related primarily to economic conditions in their lives -- such as the need to secure and retain livable wage jobs and stable, affordable market-rate housing.  People who need specialized services for mental health, substance abuse, or other problems related to a disability will be referred to more appropriate programs at DESC or other agencies.

Services at Connections include:

Information and referral - Counselors meet with participants one-on-one to develop a long-term strategy to obtain future employment and stable, affordable housing. Counselors refer and connect participants to appropriate services that will assist clients in achieving stability and independence. Vocational training - DESC partners with the Seattle Jobs Initiative to offer participants a variety of opportunities to improve their job readiness, including employment assessments, basic skills training, computer training, financial literacy and job placement assistance.

Veterans’ outreach - Connections collaborates with government and other veterans outreach organizations to assist homeless veterans in accessing services to meet their individualized needs.

Chemical dependency assessment and referral - Connections staff conduct initial assessments and refer participants to appropriate programs for further assessment, treatment and recovery assistance.
Hygiene services - The facility offers participants the use of clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry services seven days a week.

Computer training - Participants can utilize one of 17 computers during open hours or attend computer skills training classes.

Meal services - Daily meal service is provided to participants using services at Connections.








 Health services - Public Health— Seattle & King County will provide on-site tuberculosis testing.  As needs and resources arise, DESC hopes to expand the types of health services offered at the Connections Clinic.

 
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I've heard some people refer to Connections as a drop-in center and others as a hygiene center, which is it?
A: It's actually neither one. Connections is a daytime service and referral center where homeless men and women work in collaboration with staff to create comprehensive plans to secure housing and employment. Hygiene services are available to Connections participants.

Q: Who does Connections serve?
A: Unlike other DESC programs, Connections serves men and women whose homelessness appears to be related primarily to economic conditions in their lives rather than any evident disability. People who need specialized services for mental health, substance abuse, or other problems related to a disability will be referred to more appropriate programs at DESC or other agencies.

Q: Are there eligibility requirements?
A: Connections is open to homeless men and women over the age of 18. Participants must actively work on a plan to end their homelessness in order to stay enrolled.


Q: Will Connections serve families?
A: Connections was created to serve a specific subset of the homeless population--men and women who typically do not have children in their custody. At this time DESC does not have the available resources to provide childcare to Connections participants.

Q: Is there a fee for people to use the services at Connections?
A: No, Connections does not charge participants a fee. The funding for this program comes from the City of Seattle.

Q: What types of on-site services does Connections provide to participants?
A: Some of the on-site services available include job skills training, information and referral, housing advocacy and assistance, computer skills training, financial literacy training, showers, laundry services, restrooms and daily meal service. 

Q: What types of referrals does Connections make?
A: Connections staff makes referrals to a variety of services such as emergency shelter, chemical dependency treatment, vocational training programs, temporary and permanent housing, and other resources in the community that assist participants in securing employment and stable housing.

Q: Does Connections provide any type of transportation assistance to its participants?
A: Connections is located in the Metro Ride Free Zone of downtown Seattle.  Some participants may be eligible for bus tickets or bus passes provided by the program.

Q: Can I volunteer at Connections? What opportunities are available?
A: Volunteer opportunities are available from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. / seven days a week. Current volunteer positions at Connections include computer aide, resume coach, laundry coordinator, coffee counter assistant and meal assistant. For additional information about volunteering contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@desc.org or call (206) 515-1517.

Q: How was DESC selected as the site for Connections?
A: The City of Seattle selected DESC for its experience and expertise in providing a wide range of services to homeless men and women, all aimed to end their homelessness.

Related Media


"New homeless center in downtown Seattle" - KUOW 94.9 (May 18, 2006)

"One-stop center for homeless adults opens" - City of Seattle media release (May 17, 2006)

 "Meeting basic needs of homeless is goal of new downtown facility" - Seattle Times (May 17, 2006)

"Connections Grand Opening" -  Mayor's Press Conference - The Seattle Channel (May 17, 2006)

"Housing, Human Services and Health Committee"  - The Seattle Channel (May 16, 2006) [Bill Hobson, guest]

"Morrison Hotel to house homeless center" - Seattle Times (March 1, 2005)

"Homeless hygiene center heads for Pioneer Square hotel Despite opposition, City Council OKs $2.1 million plan" - Seattle Post-Intelligencer (March 1, 2005)

"Mayor praises Council support of Downtown Service Center" - Mayor Gregory J. Nickels, Seattle (February 28, 2005)

"Council's homeless-services center option: cheaper, sooner, bigger" - Seattle Times (February 16, 2005)

"Hotel site supported for hygiene center" - Seattle Post-Intelligencer (February 16, 2005)

"Morrison site on top" - Seattle Post-Intelligencer (February 3, 2005)
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