Our Mission

To bring a sense of self-sufficiency and comfort to families and individuals moving from homelessness into housing, while protecting our environment by distributing useful household items that would otherwise be discarded.

The Need

The Seattle King County Coalition for the Homeless (SKCCH) estimates that on any given night there are more than 8,400 people who are homeless in Seattle and King County. Of these more than 40% are families with children. They have become homeless because they fled domestic violence, lost jobs, suffered catastrophic illness, or had other crises.

In addition, there are severe shortages of affordable housing, living wage jobs, and health care. It has been said that most Americans are only one or two paychecks away from homelessness. While we work to address these larger problems, the Sharehouse also works to prevent a return to homelessness by providing household furnishings and supplies for families and individuals reestablishing homes after a period of homelessness.

The Sharehouse turns housing into homes

Founded in 1989 in response to a needs survey of area human services providers, the Sharehouse serves as a central distribution point for donated furniture and household goods going to families and individuals who are transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing.  Our warehouse is stocked with items donated by community members and local businesses.  It is the only program of its kind in King County. 

Moving a family or individual into an empty apartment after a period of homelessness does not take them very far from homelessness.  Moving into is expensive and stressful for anyone, but especially for those who have experienced homelessness.  Our program makes it possible for clients to establish a safe and secure new household, while also helping restore their dignity and self-sufficiency.  The Sharehouse helps turn housing into homes by providing the most basic necessities such as beds, linens, and dishes.

In 2012, working with approximately 60 member agencies throughout King County, we helped 2,614 people (including 1,040 children under 18) establish 1,228 new households.  In doing so, we also kept more than 22,000 items donated by community members and local businesses out of our area landfills.

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© 2000-2011 The Sharehouse  ~  5706 Second Ave S  ~  Seattle, WA 98108
Phone 206.767.5280  ~  Fax 206.767.5855
Email  SharehouseInfo@thesharehouse.org

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