A New Tax Benefit for Supporters of DESC – A Universal Charitable Deduction 

Beginning in 2026, many people who support DESC may be eligible for a tax benefit when making a donation, a benefit that many donors have not been able to claim in recent years. Even if you take the standard deduction on your tax return, you may still be able to receive a deduction for your giving! 

What does this mean? 

If you make a donation to DESC, you may be able to reduce your taxable income and lower the amount of taxes you owe. Individuals may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in donations, while married couples filing jointly may be able to deduct up to $2,000. 

Details include: 

  • Individuals may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in donations. 
  • Married couples filing jointly may be able to deduct up to $2,000 in donations. 
  • Eligible contributions generally include cash, check, credit card, electronic transfer, and payroll deduction gifts made directly to qualified charitable organizations like DESC. 

This new opportunity can allow more people to support DESC’s mission while also receiving a potential tax benefit. For donors, it means your generosity may go a little further by helping your neighbors while potentially reducing the taxes you owe. 

Whether you make a one-time donation, give monthly, or have supported DESC for years, your contribution helps ensure that people experiencing homelessness have access to housing, healthcare, and the support they need to build healthier, more stable lives.  

This new tax benefit makes it easier for more people to be part of that lasting impact. 

As always, we encourage you to consult your financial or tax advisor to learn how this new law may apply to your individual circumstances. 

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to gifts@desc.org 

Notes about Planned Giving: 

While the Universal Charitable Deduction could create a new opportunity for you and your current giving, learn more about the many ways they can support DESC’s mission over time. For those interested in making an even greater impact, planned gifts can help create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Learn more about Planned Giving here.

DESC Responds to 2026 Point-in-Time Count Findings 

DESC

Press Advisory — June 24, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Media Contact:

Jessica Schreindl 
Senior Manager of Communications 
Downtown Emergency Service Center 
jschreindl@desc.org | (206) 380-2647

DESC Responds to 2026 Point-in-Time Count Findings 

SEATTLE, Wash. — June 24, 2026 — The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) yesterday released the results of its 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an annual snapshot of homelessness in King County. 

Continue reading “DESC Responds to 2026 Point-in-Time Count Findings “

The Urbanist Covers Birch Grove Opening and Data that Backs Housing First

Left to right: DESC Executive Director Daniel Malone; Rep. Darya Farivar, 46th Legislative District; Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal; and DESC Deputy Director of Strategy Nicole Macri. Photo credit: Tosin Arasi.

The Urbanist featured DESC’s Birch Grove Grand Opening on June 16 in an article that dives into the evidence behind Housing First — including new data from King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) tying Housing First to a 27% decrease in jail bookings after one year.

Continue reading “The Urbanist Covers Birch Grove Opening and Data that Backs Housing First”

DESC Announces Grand Opening of 20th Permanent Supportive Housing Site, Birch Grove — Where Stability Takes Root 

DESC

Press Advisory — June 4, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Media Contact:

Jessica Schreindl 
Senior Manager of Communications 
Downtown Emergency Service Center 
jschreindl@desc.org | (206) 380-2647

DESC Announces Grand Opening of 20th Permanent Supportive Housing Site, Birch Grove — Where Stability Takes Root 

SEATTLE, WA  DESC will celebrate the official grand opening of Birch Grove, a new permanent supportive housing community in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood, on June 16. Birch Grove represents DESC’s deepened commitment to pairing housing with robust, person-centered services. 

Continue reading “DESC Announces Grand Opening of 20th Permanent Supportive Housing Site, Birch Grove — Where Stability Takes Root “

Seattle Times Features DESC’s ORCA Center and Innovative Opioid Use Disorder Treatment 

DESC client Travis Gardner calls the ORCA Center his “home away from home” 

The Seattle Times recently featured DESC’s Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center in an article about decreases in fatal fentanyl overdoses in King County and funding challenges to innovative opioid use disorder treatments. 

Continue reading “Seattle Times Features DESC’s ORCA Center and Innovative Opioid Use Disorder Treatment “