In the City of Seattle, there is a severe lack of hygiene facilities available for homeless individuals and families. Local authorities estimate that there are 9,000 individuals sleeping on the streets of Seattle each night; however, there are only 2,253 nightly emergency shelter beds available in Seattle. Not all emergency shelters provide access to showers and laundry facilities, as many are located in churches, governmental buildings and, in the case of extreme weather, the Seattle Center. Many homeless people seek shelter in doorways, parks, freeway underpasses, cars and empty buildings—-places without safe and sanitary restroom or shower facilities.
The Urban Rest Stop provides a clean, safe and welcoming facility where individuals and families can come and use the restrooms, shower and laundry facilities. All services are provided at no cost to patrons.
By providing access to essential hygiene services, the URS improves the self-sufficiency of homeless individuals and families. The Rest Stop is the only hygiene facility with extended service hours. It is open weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These extended hours are specifically designed to assist homeless persons who are working or need to get to a job interview. A homeless job applicant cannot be successful during a job interview without the self-confidence that a shower and clean clothes can provide. A homeless individual cannot maintain steady employment or hope for advancement without access to showers and laundry facilities.