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| What is Operation Nightwatch? Operation Nightwatch is a Christian ministry seeking to meet the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of the "night community" in downtosn Seattle. That "night community" includes the lonely, the lost, the disconnected, homeless adults, families in need, workers, people who need help to survive. We send clergy out at 10:00 pm each night to reach out to a hurting world. We find shelter for homeless men, women, and children, providing food, blankets, information and assistancce from our base at 302 14th Ave S., beginning at 10:00 pm every night of the year. Thank you for making it possible! |
| Operation Nightwatch is about a safe place to sleep for
everyone. Operation Nightwatch began in 1967 as a street ministry for downtown Seattle. The ordained ministers who formed this non-denominational volunteer group soon realized that beyond the need of spiritual guidance and emotional support, many of the people they met did not have a safe place to spend the night. |
| It's about shelter. Every night at midnight, a call comes through letting us know how many beds remain in the city. Every night we are forced to turn people away. One night we had one bed left, but two people in need - they were good friends, new to Seattle, newly homeless. To watch them part was agonizing. Then, a Hero stepped forward. He, too, was homeless, but said he couldn't bear to see the friends separated. He gave up his bed and disappeared back into the dark streets. Shortly after the Hero made his sacrifice, he returned to work. Today he has his own apartment. |
| It's about serving the homeless. Roy lived his entire childhood in foster homes and detention centers. When he was 18, the state of Washington released him: "I didn't know how to take care of myself. I didn't know how to look for work." Roy drifted to Seattle, lived under the viaduct and worked day labor jobs. "Then someone told me about Operation Nightwatch. They fed me, gave me a place to sleep. They treated me like I was someone." Roy now works with developmentally disabled adults. |
| It's about caring. David was a lathe operator for many years. He developed Huntington's Disease, a degenerative disorder which ended his ability to work. He was homeless, ill and alone. When he came to our shleter, we asked him why he wasn't receiving disability. He said he couldn't fill out the forms and his requests for help were ignored. We didn't ignore him. Today, David lives in a small studio apartment and volunteers at our shelter every day. "God led me here," he says. |
| It's about safety. One night, a woman and her three-year-old daughter arrived at the shelter. They were well-dressed, and appeared healthy. But they were living in fear. The woman had left an abusive marriage and had nowhere to stay and no money. They've been with us for six weeks now, while the mother works at a fast-food restaurant saving up for an apartment. She's almost there. |
| Here are a few facts about homeless people in Seattle. | |
| Estimated homeless per day | 4,400 |
| Number of Emergency Shelter beds | 2, 579 |
| Who are the homeless? | |
| Children under 18 | 27% |
| Single Women | 14% |
| Veterans | 19% |
| Mentally Ill | 20-25% |
| Families with Children | 40% |
| Single Men | 45% |
| Women and children fleeing abuse | 50% |
| Housing Issues | |
| Monthly rent for a one bedroom (approx.) | $535 |
| Percent of population unable to afford | 37% |
| Number waiting for public housing | 13,000 |
| Waiting time for family housing | 2 years. |
| What your contribution can accomplish: |
| $10 buys a hungry child food for a week. $25 buys one blanket each for five people sleeping under bridges $45 provides a family with safe lodging for one night until a long-term solution can be arranged. $100 provides one night of safe shelter for 70 people. |
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Today Operation Nightwatch functions as not only a street ministry, but as an after-hours emergency placement center at 91 Wall Street in the heart of Seattle's Belltown. We serve the city's homeless population, a diverse group that includes: |
| Homeless children - In August 1996, we gave shelter to 101 children; in August 1997, the number rose to 340. |
| Stranded families |
| The mentally ill |
| Victims of domestic violence |
| Displaced veterans |
| People struggling with addiction. |
| The programs we offer are all free, funded principally by contributions and staffed primarily with volunteers. These programs include: |
| Shelter Placement and Referral - We coordinate with other shelters throughout the city to locate available beds and refer clients to overflow spaces. |
| Evening Meal Service - We offer simple meals in a friendly and caring atmosphere. |
| Family Lodging - We help families find a safe place to sleep and an opportunity to seek more long-lasting solutions the next day. |
| Emergency Overflow Shelter - We operate our own shelter that sleeps 70. Clients are guaranteed a warm, safe and drug-and-alcohol-free space. We also supply blankets to those we must turn away. |
| Stree Ministry - We offer spiritual comfort and guidance 356 nights a year. |
Information on Operation Nightwatch's new building in downtown Seattle...and how you can help.
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Important Dates
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ILS Resources
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