FAQs

What do I do if I feel unsafe because someone is aggressively panhandling or behaving erratically?: If someone is blocking your path, behaving aggressively, or indicating that they may hurt themselves or someone else, please call 911. Safety is the City’s top priority, and everyone deserves to feel safe and supported here. Do remember, however, that experiencing homelessness in not a crime. And you cannot be arrested for panhandling. It is considered free speech and is protected as a constitutional right.

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Homelessness Response

1. Where do I go if I need help finding shelter, food, and other services?: Please see our Housing, Utilities, and Food Support page, which lists a wide variety of resources.

2. How do I find help if I am struggling to pay my rent, mortgage, or utility bills?: Please see our Housing, Utilities, and Food Support page, which lists a wide variety of resources.

3. What can I do if I want to help someone who is unhoused?: Please see our How You Can Help page for resources and ideas.

4. Where can I go if I want to learn more about homelessness?: Please see our How You Can Help page for resources and ideas.

5. What do I do if I feel unsafe because someone is aggressively panhandling or behaving erratically?: If someone is blocking your path, behaving aggressively, or indicating that they may hurt themselves or someone else, please call 911. Safety is the City’s top priority, and everyone deserves to feel safe and supported here. Do remember, however, that experiencing homelessness in not a crime. And you cannot be arrested for panhandling. It is considered free speech and is protected as a constitutional right.

6. What do I do if someone is trespassing at my business or home?: If someone is on your property uninvited –whether it is your business or home –please call 911. To reduce unwanted behavior, please lock your dumpsters and provide bright lighting outside. You can also sign a Trespass Letter of Consent that gives police officers permission to enforce trespassing laws on your behalf, without contacting you first.

7. What do I do if I see an unsanctioned encampment?: If you see a tent or group of tents in a public park or on private land, please call 425-407-3999, so we can alert our Outreach Team. Please note that our team does their best to connect campers to resources, shelter, and services. This sometimes takes a day or two, so you may see the tent for a little while after you call.

8. What do I do if I live outdoors and feel unsafe because someone is harassing or threatening me?: If someone is harassing, threatening, or bullying you, please call 911. Safety is the City’s first priority, and everyone deserves to feel safe and supported here.

9. How do I learn more about the City's response to homelessness?: Please see our Homelessness Response page to learn more about the City’s efforts.