Washington State has one of the highest per-capita rates of homelessness in the United States, with over 25,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Seattle and King County alone account for more than half of that total — making it one of the most concentrated homeless crises in the country. But homelessness in Washington extends beyond Seattle to Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver (near Portland), and rural Eastern Washington counties where resources are scarce.
Emergency hotel and motel voucher programs operate across Washington, but availability is uneven. This guide from House for Homeless covers how to find emergency hotel assistance anywhere in Washington State tonight. For programs in other states, see our hotel vouchers for homeless national guide.
Need a hotel voucher in Washington State tonight? Call 211 immediately — Washington 211 is available 24 hours across all 39 counties. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in Washington State
Washington State does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded and administered locally through:
- County Departments of Social and Health Services (DSHS) — Washington’s county-level social services
- Community Action Agencies — a strong statewide CAA network
- Continuums of Care — Washington has multiple CoC regions including the large King County CoC
- Washington State Department of Commerce — administers ESG and state homelessness funds
- Nonprofits and faith-based organizations
Washington’s approach to homelessness is more centralized at the county level than many states, with King County’s All Home coordinating the region’s massive homelessness response. Outside King County, resources vary significantly.
Always call 211 first.
Washington State Programs Supporting Hotel Assistance
Washington State Department of Commerce
Commerce administers the federal Emergency Solutions Grant and state Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) — Washington’s primary state homelessness funding stream — to local organizations providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and hotel assistance.
Commerce contact: 360-725-2900 Website: commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/housing/homelessness
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
DSHS administers emergency assistance programs through local Community Services Offices (CSO) statewide. The Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (WorkFirst) can sometimes authorize emergency hotel placements.
DSHS contact: 1-877-501-2233 Website: dshs.wa.gov
Washington’s Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG)
Washington’s CHG is the state’s primary homelessness funding stream, distributed to counties for emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, diversion, and hotel/motel placements. Every county in Washington receives some CHG funding. Call 211 to find the CHG-funded organization in your county.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Washington State by Region
Seattle and King County
King County has the third-largest homeless population of any county in the United States. The response system is extensive but significantly overwhelmed.
All Home King County Lead CoC coordinator for King County’s homelessness response.
- Phone: 206-263-9086
- Website: allhomekc.org
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; call 211 after hours
DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) One of Seattle’s most important homeless service organizations, specializing in people with complex needs including serious mental illness.
- Phone: 206-464-1570
- Address: 515 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Website: desc.org
- Intake: Call for current hours; low-barrier programs
Union Gospel Mission Seattle (men) Emergency shelter and services for men in Seattle.
- Phone: 206-723-0767
- Address: 318 2nd Ave Ext S, Seattle, WA 98104
- Website: ugm.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Union Gospel Mission Women & Family Shelter Emergency shelter for women and children.
- Phone: 206-682-5010
- Address: 318 2nd Ave Ext S, Seattle, WA 98104
Compass Housing Alliance Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing across the Seattle area.
- Phone: 206-474-1100
- Website: compasshousingalliance.org
Salvation Army of Greater Seattle Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 206-587-0410
- Address: 111 9th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Catholic Community Services of Western Washington Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 206-323-6336
- Website: ccsww.org
Compass Housing Crisis Line (King County): 206-461-3200 — 24-hour crisis and homeless resource line for King County
King County 2-1-1: Call 211 from anywhere in King County for emergency housing referrals.
Tacoma and Pierce County
Pierce County Human Services CoC Lead CoC coordinator for Pierce County.
- Phone: 253-798-6285
Catholic Community Services of Pierce County Emergency assistance including housing help in Tacoma and Pierce County.
- Phone: 253-502-2671
Rescue Mission of Tacoma Emergency shelter and services in Tacoma.
- Phone: 253-383-4493
- Address: 425 S Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
- Website: rescuemissiontacoma.org
Salvation Army of Tacoma Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 253-272-4747
- Address: 1501 S Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
Comprehensive Life Resources (CLR) Housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness.
- Phone: 253-272-3413
- Website: clresources.org
Spokane and Eastern Washington
Spokane CoC / Jewels Helping Hands Key CoC partner and street outreach organization in Spokane.
- Phone: 509-321-6613
- Website: jewelshelpinghands.org
Catholic Charities Eastern Washington Emergency assistance including housing help across Eastern Washington.
- Phone: 509-358-4254
- Website: cceasternwa.org
Union Gospel Mission Spokane Comprehensive homeless services in Spokane.
- Men’s shelter: 509-535-8510 | 1224 E Trent Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
- Women and children: 509-535-4231
- Website: ugmspokane.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Salvation Army of Spokane Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 509-325-6810
- Address: 222 E Indiana Ave, Spokane, WA 99207
Spokane County DSHS Community Services Office County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 509-363-3500
Vancouver and Southwest Washington (Clark County)
Council for the Homeless (Clark County CoC) Lead CoC coordinator for Clark County, coordinating homeless services in Vancouver and Southwest Washington.
- Phone: 360-695-9677
- Website: councilforhomeless.org
- Home Line (Clark County homeless hotline): 360-993-9561 (24 hours)
Share Vancouver Emergency shelter and housing services in Clark County.
- Phone: 360-993-6656
- Website: sharevancouver.org
Salvation Army of Vancouver Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 360-695-7886
Catholic Community Services Southwest Washington Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 360-695-5012
Bellingham and Northwest Washington (Whatcom County)
Whatcom Homeless Service Center Coordinates homeless services in Whatcom County.
- Phone: 360-671-7445
Lighthouse Mission Ministries Comprehensive homeless services in Bellingham.
- Phone: 360-673-4166
- Website: lhm.org
Salvation Army of Bellingham Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 360-733-6990
Olympia and Thurston County
Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties Community Action Agency providing emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 360-438-1100
- Website: caclmt.org
Interfaith Works Emergency shelter and housing services in Olympia.
- Phone: 360-357-7224
- Website: iworkswa.org
Rural Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington outside Spokane has very limited formal hotel voucher programs. Primary resources:
- Your county DSHS Community Services Office — find at dshs.wa.gov
- Local Community Action Agencies — call 211 for your nearest CAA
- Local churches — faith communities are primary emergency resources in rural Eastern WA
- 211 — always call first
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Washington State
| Priority Group | Washington-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority statewide; King County especially severe |
| Families with children | Top priority across all programs |
| Domestic violence survivors | WA DV Hotline: 1-800-562-6025 |
| Veterans | Strong VA resources in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver |
| Youth ages 18–24 | YouthCare (Seattle), specific programs statewide |
| Seniors (60+) | Priority in most county programs |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter barriers |
| People with pets | Limited — call 211 specifically; some WA programs accommodate pets |
| Rural Eastern WA residents | Very limited programs; DSHS offices and churches primary resources |
| Tribal members | Contact tribal social services; some tribes have dedicated housing programs |
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Washington State — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — available 24 hours across all 39 Washington counties.
Step 2: If you are in King County (Seattle area), call the King County 2-1-1 or Compass Housing Crisis Line at 206-461-3200 — 24 hours.
Step 3: If you are in Clark County (Vancouver), call the Home Line at 360-993-9561 — 24 hours.
Step 4: If you are in Spokane, call Union Gospel Mission at 509-535-8510 or Catholic Charities Eastern Washington at 509-358-4254.
Step 5: Contact your county DSHS Community Services Office for emergency assistance.
Step 6: Contact the Salvation Army, Catholic Community Services, or your local Community Action Agency.
Step 7: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately.
What to Do During Your Washington Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance immediately: Apply for Washington SNAP at washingtonconnection.org or call 1-877-501-2233. With zero income you qualify for maximum benefits and expedited 7-day processing. See our guide on how to apply for SNAP when homeless.
Apply for Apple Health (Medicaid): Apply at washingtonconnection.org. Washington’s Apple Health covers healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Enter coordinated entry: In King County, call 211 or All Home. In Clark County, call the Council for the Homeless. Elsewhere, call 211. Being in coordinated entry is your pathway to rapid rehousing and permanent housing. See our guide on types of housing assistance programs.
Apply for rapid rehousing: Call 211 and ask for rapid rehousing referrals. Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver all have active rapid rehousing programs. See our emergency rental assistance guide for another immediate option.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local Washington PHA. King County Housing Authority: 206-574-1100. Washington PHAs have very long waitlists — apply now and to multiple PHAs. See our Section 8 guide and browse all housing voucher programs for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in Washington State?
Call 211 from anywhere in Washington — available 24 hours across all 39 counties. In King County, call the Compass Housing Crisis Line at 206-461-3200. In Clark County (Vancouver), call the Home Line at 360-993-9561. In Spokane, call Union Gospel Mission at 509-535-8510. Your county DSHS office is also a key resource.
Does Washington State have a statewide hotel voucher program?
No. Washington does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. The state’s Consolidated Homeless Grant funds local organizations, but programs are administered at the county level with significant variation. King County has the most resources — rural counties have far fewer. Call 211 for what is available in your specific area.
What is Washington’s Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG)?
CHG is Washington’s primary state homelessness funding stream, distributed through the Department of Commerce to counties for emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, diversion, and hotel assistance. Every Washington county receives some CHG funding. Call 211 to find the CHG-funded organization in your county — they may be able to provide hotel assistance.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in Washington State?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority across Washington’s programs. In King County, call 211 or All Home. In Clark County, call the Council for the Homeless at 360-695-9677. Your county DSHS office can also access emergency family housing funds.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Washington State?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. Washington has VA resources in Seattle (VA Puget Sound), Tacoma (American Lake VA), Spokane (Mann-Grandstaff VA), and Vancouver with dedicated homeless veteran programs including HUD-VASH and SSVF rapid rehousing.
What if I am homeless in rural Eastern Washington?
Rural Eastern Washington has very limited formal hotel voucher programs outside of Spokane. Contact your county DSHS Community Services Office and your local Community Action Agency (find through 211). Local churches are often the primary emergency resource. Call 211 — operators know rural resources not publicly listed. Tribal members should also contact their tribal social services.
Is Apple Health the same as Medicaid in Washington?
Yes. Apple Health is Washington State’s name for Medicaid. It is free healthcare coverage for low-income residents. Apply at washingtonconnection.org. Apple Health covers medical care, mental health, and substance use treatment — services that are critical for housing stability.
How long do hotel vouchers last in Washington State?
Most Washington emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with possible extensions depending on county program funding and your situation. King County programs sometimes provide longer placements for families. Connect with a case manager on Day 1 and enter your regional coordinated entry system immediately.