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Recovery Isn’t Black and White

October 5, 2026

How one staff member’s experience with addiction, homelessness, and recovery gave her the power to connect with DESC clients.

Woman speaking at a building grand opening, with trees in the background. — *Heather McDuff, project manager at Steven’s Place, speaking at the grand opening in November 2025.*

Some things in life are straightforward, with clear answers and predictable outcomes. Recovery is not one of them. It is one of the most complex, difficult, and misunderstood parts of the human experience.

That’s why having staff with lived experience, like Program Manager Heather McDuff — who understands better than anyone that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all — helps our clients navigate the winding road of recovery.

One Year of ORCA: How this innovative program is changing opioid use disorder response and care

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September 2, 2026

DESC’s ORCA program is demonstrating an effective and compassionate response to the opioid crisis in Seattle

People talking in a medical setting. — *Community members at the ORCA Center Grand Opening in August 2025.*

One year ago, DESC and community partners asked a simple but urgent question: What if we provided people with the compassionate, comprehensive care they actually need after an overdose?

The answer was the Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center, created to fill a critical gap in opioid use disorder care by providing immediate stabilization, a place to comfortably recover, and access to a variety of treatment and recovery services.

One Year In, DESC’s ORCA Program Is Changing How Seattle Responds to the Opioid Crisis

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August 27, 2026

Press Advisory — August 26, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Media Contact:
Jessica Schreindl
Senior Communications Manager, DESC
jschreindl@desc.org
(206) 380-2647

SEATTLE — Almost one year after opening its doors, DESC’s Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center, in partnership with the longer-standing ORCA Patient Outreach Division (POD), is demonstrating what is possible when lifesaving opioid use disorder treatment is available when and where people need it.

DESC 2025 Annual Report

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August 26, 2026

DESC 2025 Annual Report

DESC helps people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well-being through comprehensive services, treatment, and housing.

Our vision is a community where all people are shown compassion, treated with dignity, and everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. In 2025, we moved 327 people into permanent supportive housing, with 98% of all clients retaining their homes after one year — evidence of the stability DESC provides.

DESC’s Gimme Shelter 2026 Takes Place October 23

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August 25, 2026

The Dusty 45s performing at DESC’s Gimme Shelter in 2025.

DESC’s annual benefit concert and program spotlight, Gimme Shelter, takes place this year on October 23 from 6-10p.m.!

Join us at the Reverie Ballroom for an evening of live music from local legends, inspiring stories about DESC’s work, and the opportunity to connect with a community dedicated to ending homelessness.