Shelter

Shelter

42 bed vulnerability based nightly shelter. All genders welcome, couples stay together whenever possible, service animals and companion pets ok, sobriety not required, no ID required for entry, must be over 18. We prioritize single adults, couples without dependent children and their pets who are living with serious, persistent challenges related to physical, mental and substance use related health issues.

Available Beds

Each night we open up a limited number of "one night stay" beds. These beds are given out through a lottery. We prioritize women, people that are over 50 and people that consider themselves to have a disability. Women's lottery is at 5:15pm each night, men's lottery is at 7:15pm. Please don't come any earlier than 5pm or 7pm for the lottery. There is no advantage in doing so.

Lockers

• Guests are assigned a locker when they are assigned a bed.
• Guests must use the locks provided by the shelter. They are not permitted to use their own locks.
• Lockers are to be used for anything valuable that guests want to remain secure.
• The shelter is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  

Mail

• Guests may use the First Christian Church, PO BOX 2850, Olympia, WA 98507 as a mailing address.
• We will hold mail for up to two weeks after someone has left our shelter.
• After that time we will return to the post office with a “no longer at this address” stamp.
  

PHONE

• Guests may use our voicemail to receive messages relating to important issues including, but not limited to medical, mental health and/or social service appointments, family contact and emergency situations.
• Guests are not to call 911 or law enforcement unless approved or directed to do so by a staff member.
  

Clothing Closet

• We have a clothing closet accessible to all people in need of it.
• The IWEOS (Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter) is well aware of the great need that extends beyond our 37-bed capacity so we make any food, coffee, clothing, emergency supplies, and hygiene supplies available to whoever needs it while we are open each day.
  

Replacement ID Cards

The IWEOS has a set aside fund to assist people experiencing homelessness that need to replace their identification cards. People go to the Department of Social and Health Services to inquire about the waiver that brings the cost of replacement identification cards down. We then give them enough money to cover the cost and they bring back their receipt and/or temporary ID with date of issue on it.

Transportation

When resources are available, the IWEOS may support guests buy paying for transportation to relocate to family or for job opportunities in other areas. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Domestic Violence Fund

Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence/Sexual Assault Fund

The IWEOS Domestic Violence fund is a set-aside, pot of money to pay for emergency accommodations when someone is fleeing a violent situation and their perpetrator is believed to be in pursuit of the victim/survivor.

This takes the form of paying for transportation to relocate to family or friends elsewhere and/or paying for an anonymous hotel room while they are being actively pursued. We coordinate closely with area agencies who specialize in this support and connect people to those services whenever possible.

Questions?

Call (360) 918-8424 between the hours of 4pm-8am to talk to a staff person, or email for additional information.

Email Us

Medical and Grief Support

Holistic Medical Support through the Amahoro House
Once weekly the Amahoro House team of volunteers including MD/RN’s, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and more, come to the shelter to provide medical care to our guests. They support our medically fragile guests with healthcare navigation, advocacy, necessary supplies and licensed medical provider outreach. In addition, they provide supplies to help us host memorial services when members of the shelter and street community pass away. 

Navigation Team