West Wing Shelter
504 5th Ave Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 876-7460
Opened in 2019, DESC’s West Wing is a low-barrier men’s shelter designed for the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. For those who’ve struggled with traditional shelter models, the West Wing offers a welcoming environment where guests can come and go as they please.
Located in a former work-release space in the King County Correctional Facility in downtown Seattle, the shelter has 40 beds and access to 24/7 on-site wraparound services.
Having a shelter next to a space used for incarceration may seem like an unusual choice, especially given the long history of homeless communities being marginalized and disproportionately impacted by incarceration — a reality that continues today.
When we began considering the facility in 2018, we knew that client input would be essential. We worked alongside clients throughout the renovation, incorporating their feedback into the design of the shelter.
The West Wing is completely separated from the jail, with no interaction between correctional staff and DESC staff or our guests.
Today, the West Wing represents a transformation — turning a space once used to incarcerate people into one that people can freely choose to enter, seeking shelter, safety, and enhanced services.
Learn more about our collaboration with King County here.
Services:
- 24/7 on-site services
- Case management and access to behavioral health treatment
- Housing and employment support
- Showers, storage, meals, and laundry facilities