Our SHARE Shelter
Northminster has a long history of working with homelessness as part of our commitment to the gospel to love and care for those in need. NPC has operated a shelter since 1997, first through its own 501c3 and now in partnership with SHARE.
If you are currently unhoused and seeking help, please contact SHARE directly.
We DO NOT screen into the shelter onsite. You must go to the SHARE building first.
Homelessness and SHARE FAQ
Is homelessness on the rise in King County?
Yes. There was a 27.7% increase in people experiencing homelessness in King County between 2022 and 2023
How many homeless individuals are there in King County?
Current estimates say over 16,000 people experienced homelessness on any any given day in King County.
Are there more homeless individuals in Seattle?
Seattle has the largest share of people experiencing homelessness than other cities in the county. SHARE is currently seeking 500 additional beds for the coming winter to address these numbers.
What helps to decrease homelssness in our city?
More individuals able to stay in shelters. Last year over 300 people died on the streets of Seattle due to lack of shelter.
Without shelter, people die.
What causes homelessness?
Though every case is different, 24% of the respondents in 2019 cited job loss as their primary cause of homelessness. 79% of the respondents reported that they were unemployed and unable to work. 38% reported that they were looking for work. 16% reported that they were unable to work due to a disability, and 7% reported that they were unauthorized to work.
What is the history of the shelter at Northminster and why SHARE/WHEEL?
Northminster has a 27 year history of providing shelter within our facility. Our last shelter (open 3-4 nights/week) closed because of the policies that the city enacted in the plan to eradicate homelessness. Shelters that were not able to be open 7 days a week were not granted residents. The shelter closed, not because of safety, but because we had too few residents.
The SHARE/WHEEL shelter had been in Ballard for over 20 years and was displaced in the sale of the Trinity United Methodist Building on 23rd and 65th. There was a request for a facility, and Northminster responded to that request.
Is this a drop in shelter?
It is not drop in. Residents must be screened and coordinated by the leader of the SHARE shelter. Homeless folks in the neighborhood should not be encouraged to stop by the SHARE shelter. The leader is not able to admit them.
Where are the residents screened for the shelter?
Participants are screened offsite, at downtown locations. Screenings for Northminster shelter occur Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the downtown SHARE Office, and at the downtown Recovery Café on Sunday mornings. The screening process is developed, monitored and managed by SHARE. Bus tickets are provided for new participants, but the group has a strict policy of meeting together offsite and arriving at the shelter together as a group.
Can a resident make a one night reservation?
Once screened into the shelter, the shelter participant can stay as long as s/he needs with no reservation needed. New participants MAY be screened in (at a downtown location) at any one of SHARE's standard screenings IF there are openings at the shelter. There is always a core leadership group, and there tends to be low turnover at SHARE shelters.
How do the residents arrive and depart from the shelter? Are they allowed or encouraged to roam in the neighborhood?
Bus tickets are provided by SHARE for participants to exit in the morning (and enter, together as a group, in the evening). Many folks go to work or school; others have appointments. SHARE’s policy for every one of its shelters is “no loitering in the neighborhood.”
Can a resident arrive at the shelter and then take a break, head up to Saleh’s, etc.?
SHARE shelters have a “no in-and-out” policy. Once signed in for the night, folks remain for the night.
Is this shelter co-ed?
Yes, this is a co-ed shelter.
What do I do if there is a disturbance or concern?
If there is an issue or disturbance, neighbors should call the church immediately at 206-783-3402. All disturbances should be reported to the office. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail. If the disturbance is a result of a shelter resident, there will be immediate action. info@northminsterpres.org