Hours
Effective April 21, 2013:
Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Closed on Sunday
Connections opened its doors in 2006 and has served over 3,500 homeless adults. All of them have received indoor refuge, assessment services, hygiene services, and many of those who used the program for more than a day or two have had their lives profoundly improved. 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. 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.
Referrals and Contact Information
For referral and information about Connections, please call (206)515-1555, or via email at connections@desc.org. Referrals are also accepted on a walk-in basis at 505 Third Avenue. Self-referrals are accepted.
| Case Managers 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. | Employment assistance On-site services provided by case managers and other groups include: 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. | Potential employers DESC works closely with local businesses on potential employment opportunities for the individuals we serve. To get involve, please contact connections@desc.org. |
| Hygiene services The facility offers participants the use of clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry services. | Chemical dependency assessment and referral Connections staff conduct initial assessments and refer participants to appropriate programs for further assessment, treatment and recovery assistance. |
| Meal services Daily meal service is provided to participants using services at Connections. | Computer training Participants can utilize one of 17 computers during open hours or attend computer skills training classes. |
Frequently Asked Questions here
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)
Entry Services
Consultation and Technical Assistance
Connecting with the World
The computer lab is one of the many services Connections offers to people living on the street.