DESC

Moving into an apartment after years of homelessness is no easy journey. For Tammy, it was the steady support of DESC staff along the way that made her stability possible.

“I’ve come a really long way,” Tammy said. “I am definitely proof that the work these people come in and do every day … is absolutely producing very good things.”

Dealing with lifelong homelessness before finding a home at DESC’s Burbridge Place, Tammy had years of trauma to unpack as she found her footing in her space. Now, she lives on her own
in an adult family residence and has stopped using substances like methamphetamine.

Tammy’s story shows that housing is the first step, but not the only step. Behavioral health services, wraparound care, and staff who care and assertively support our clients are essential to our client journeys.

“Y’all are my safety... I know I can always come back to DESC.”

Read her story here: https://www.desc.org/tammys-story-finding-safety-at-desc/

Pictured: Tammy (left), with her friend Cortina, who lives at DESC's Burbridge Place. ❤️

We are having a wonderful time at Housing First Partners Conference 2026 in San Francisco!

Over 1,200 advocates from 43 states and six countries are joining together with the shared belief that housing — paired with compassionate, comprehensive support —is the most effective path to ending homelessness.

At hashtag , we're addressing misconceptions about permanent supportive housing, discussing ethical storytelling, and connecting on how we can best serve our communities.

Thank you to all our attendees and supporters!

Did you know that the majority of the people visiting DESC’s Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center are coming for ongoing treatment for opioid use disorder?

ORCA isn’t just a place for post-overdose recovery — it’s a space where people can find reliable care, support, and connection to their next step.

Since opening in September 2025, ORCA has served 1,100+ clients — including 540 people starting medication for opioid use disorder.

Learn more in this piece by one of ORCA’s funders, the City of Seattle Government Human Services Department:

Community Corner—Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center - Human Interests Community Corner highlights the work of Seattle Human Services’ community partners in their own words. Our goal is to gather stories and photos that illustrate their amazing work on behalf of the people of Seattle. This post focuses on the Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center, a facility op...