DESC

08/27/2026

At DESC, our vision is a community where everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

In 2025, we got closer to that vision — serving a total of 6,569 people through our behavioral health services, entry-level survival services, and permanent supportive housing.

We opened the first Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center to address the opioid crisis with compassionate care; opened the Stability Through Access & Resources (STAR) Center to revolutionize low-barrier shelter; and welcomed 109 new tenants at our 18th permanent supportive location, Steven's Place.

Explore all that we got up to in our complete 2025 Annual Report:

In 2025, DESC served a total of 6,569 people in behavioral health support, entry-level survival services, and supportive housing.

08/26/2026

"Housing First works. The problem is there is not nearly enough housing to go around."

Not only is providing housing first proven to reduce emergency site visits, cost less for the public, and increase housing retention — but most importantly, it gives people agency over their lives.

The issue isn't the method — it's skyrocketing housing costs, lack of affordable housing, and federal attacks on funding for current supportive housing.

Read more in this article by Invisible People:

As the Trump administration and its allies declare Housing First a failure, experts and data show the real drivers of rising street homelessness.

08/19/2026

The combination of healthcare, onsite support, and housing at DESC's 1811 Eastlake is what helped resident Randy Critz find stability on his own terms.

“I’ve never been better,” said Randy in an article published by UW Medicine. “I’ve got my family back now.”

With healthcare from the Harborview Medical Center team and behavioral health support from DESC, Randy has now been focused on his woodworking, reconnecting with his family, and spending time with his cat, Pippin.

Read the full story here ❤️ : https://newsroom.uw.edu/blog/supportive-housing-care-help-resident-keep-demons-at-bay/

Photo credit: Alexis Hauk/UW Medicine.

08/13/2026

Yesterday we had some special visitors at the Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center!

During a ride-along with Health 99, Seattle Fire Department’s overdose response unit that provides client-centered response to people who experience overdose, members from the Harborview Medical Center team and Adam Smith for Congress’s office were able to see this partnership between Health 99 and ORCA in action.

Since ORCA opened in September 2025, 65% of all Health 99 transports have been to the ORCA Center. Here, individuals can recover comfortably, receive judgment-free and compassionate care, and get connected to behavioral health care, medication for opioid use disorder, and more.

Thank you to the Seattle Fire Department and Harborview for your partnership!

08/12/2026

Registration is now open for DESC’s annual fundraising event, Gimme Shelter! 🎶

Join us on October 23 at the Reverie Ballroom & Events for an evening of education, community, and live music from local legends The Dusty 45s and Lady A!

By attending, you not only support DESC’s mission, but also get the opportunity to connect with others dedicated to ending homelessness.

Get your ticket today:

Join DESC at Gimme Shelter, our longest-running annual fundraiser! Spend an inspiring evening with live performances by The Dusty 45's, hosted by local jazz and blues ...

08/11/2026

Did you know that in the first year of being open, DESC’s Stability Through Access and Resources (STAR) Center served 321 people?

Providing meals, showers, and semi-private stays — along with onsite behavioral healthcare and recreational programming — STAR is a crucial bridge from the streets to stability.

As of spring 2026, enrollment in our robust behavioral health services including mental health and substance use disorder treatment reached a rate of 95% for STAR guests!

Learn more about STAR and its one-year anniversary on our blog: https://www.desc.org/one-year-of-stability-recreation-and-connection-at-descs-star-center/

Pictured: Xochitl Rojas, an on-site registered nurse at DESC’s STAR Center, takes a resident’s blood pressure.

This non-congregate, innovative shelter is finding ways to support residents with behavioral healthcare, a place to sleep, and enriching activities.

08/05/2026

Many people experiencing substance use disorder want to improve their circumstances — in fact, one study showed that on average, people went through treatment 16 times before they were housed, and only after entering housing did their substance use outcomes improve.

Housing is what makes a difference. Housing provides that first step to stability by giving people safety, comfort, and dignity.

Learn more in this interview with DESC Executive Director Daniel Malone on the Invisible People podcast:

Homelessness isn’t getting worse because solutions don’t work. It’s...

08/04/2026

DESC and community partners are hosting an event on Friday, August 28!

Bringing together community members, substance use disorder providers, and people with lived experience, this event will honor those lost to overdose, help raise awareness, and center those with lived experience.

This year’s theme, “Overdose is Preventable When We Act,” highlights the importance of education, resources, and connection around overdose prevention and substance use disorder treatment.

💜 Date: Friday, August 28
💜 Time: 1-4 p.m.
💜 Location: City Hall Park, Seattle

We hope you’ll join us!

Evergreen Treatment Services | We Care Daily Clinics

07/31/2026

Opioid use disorder is complex, and requires creative solutions.

To literally meet people where they’re at, DESC staff developed an innovative new way to administer medication for opioid use disorder, through long-acting injectable buprenorphine.

A recent study shows promising results for those living outside with opioid use disorder — 75% of individuals in the study completed the course of treatment, and 64% received a second monthly dose!

Combining treatment with outreach is just one of the ways DESC is working to help our neighbors find stability. Read more: https://www.desc.org/injectable-only-overlapping-buprenorphine-starting-protocol-in-a-low-threshold-setting/

07/29/2026

Decades of research show that Housing First saves taxpayers money, leads to higher rates of recovery, and keeps people housed.

When people are given a safe place to land and the opportunity to choose their own path in recovery, they stay and find stability on their own terms — at DESC, 98% of tenants remained housed after one year in 2025.

Learn more about how this proven method to ending homelessness leads to increased stability for those experiencing substance use disorder, mental health conditions, and chronic homelessness: https://www.desc.org/the-evidence-is-clear-permanent-supportive-housing-works/

Pictured: client artwork at DESC’s 1811 Eastlake location.