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.
Homelessness and SHARE FAQ
Questions about Homelessness in 2019
The information in this FAQ was taken and collated from the annual Point-in-Time Count, facilitated by All Home King County. You can learn more about this organization and their annual count here: http://allhomekc.org/about/
Is homelessness on the rise in King County?
No. In fact, the number of unsheltered homeless individuals was less in 2019 (5,228) than in both 2017 (5,485) and 2018 (6,320).
How many homeless individuals are there in King County?
On the night of the count, there were 11,199 people experiencing homelessness in King County. Of this population, 47% were living unsheltered. Compared to 2018, there were 52% of the homeless population living unsheltered.
Are there more homeless individuals in Seattle?
Though Seattle has 68% of the county’s homeless population, the numbers in Seattle were less in 2019 (3,558) than in both 2017 (3,841) and 2018 (4,488).
What has helped this drop in homelessness?
More individuals are staying in shelters. The number of folks experiencing chronic homelessness and staying in shelters increased from 29% to 59%.
Why this increase?
New emergency shelter beds have been added. Shelter capacities have been expanded. Five of the City of Seattle Tiny Houses have been categorized as emergency shelter.
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.
What are the open and close times of the shelter?
The shelter is open from 3:30pm-7:30am Mon-Thurs and full-time on Sat and Sun. There are no entries after 9pm. DURING A SCHOOL SNOW DAY (not late start), the shelter will remain open for the day. Residents must remain indoors, unless they have been asked by a coordinator to help with facility upkeep (snow shoveling, etc.).
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