Persons living without homes
Before you provide warmth, confidence and care, familiarize yourself with the homelessness resources before speaking with a homeless person so you can simply say, “How are you doing? There’s a food pantry and social services over on Knechtel Way, and I think they're open Monday through Friday. You should check it out.” might be a great gift to them in itself. They may be passing through and are unaware that there is a resource only a few blocks away.
If they say they aren’t interested, don’t push them. Some people who have struggled with homelessness for some time may have had negative experiences in shelters and prefer to be out in the open. No matter what the reply, keep the interaction upbeat and respectful.
One final tip: Always think first about your safety. Never offer rides in your car to someone you don’t know, and never stand with anyone in a poorly lit place. If you feel unsafe, don’t worry about being rude. Just leave the situation. Your safety is a top priority.
We welcome anyone in need. Helpline House can offer help during weekdays. For those seeking assistance doors open Monday through Friday | 9 AM to 5 PM.
Take Action
What is the Point-In-Time Count?
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The Coffee Pot is Always On
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Drinking-Water
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Hot Water and Instant Soups
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Resource Room
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Telephone
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Self-service Computer
- On-call Social Workers
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Public bathroom
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Kitchenless Kits
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Toiletry Kits
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Medical Equipment
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Service Pets Allowed
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Alcohol-Free Zone
Services Available at Helpline House
Nutrition
Kitchenless bags, coffee/tea, instant soups, fruits and veggies
Equipment
Tents, blankets, backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads
Clothing
Socks, gloves, hats, coats
Hygiene Products
Shampoo
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Razors
Feminine Hygiene Products
Long Term Planning
Cost free case management
Transportation Assistance
Request assistance at the front desk
Kitchenless Bags
The Bainbridge Island Police Department’s officers exercise verbal de-escalation skills that can help diffuse stress, and bring a sense of support to homeless persons during times of personal crisis. In partnership with Helpline House, Bainbridge Island Police officers stock their cruisers with “Kitchenless Bags”, assembled by Helpline House volunteers. When starting a conversation with homeless persons living in parked cars or camping off the road in the woods,
these easy to carry and ready-to-eat foods provide a helpful tool to support our local officers.
Kitchenless bags are packed with easy to open foods such as breakfast bars, raisins, peanut butter, crackers, canned chicken, cup of soup, boxed milk, juice boxes and a fork and spoon wrapped in a napkin. Before they’re bundled for travel, slips of helpful information are inserted, such as how to get to Helpline House for hot water for the cup of soup or a hot drink, essential hygiene products, telephone and computer access and more. In addition, Helpline House offers cost-free, confidential social work services, if needed.
These ice breakers help the Bainbridge Island Police Department and Helpline House connect with homeless persons. Community members can help homeless persons by calling 911 for an officer to conduct a well-fare check, and share information about local services. Always think about your safety first. Never offer rides in your car to someone you don’t know, and never stand with anyone in a poorly lit place. If you feel unsafe, don’t worry about being rude. Just leave the situation. Your safety is a top priority always.
Warming Shelters Nearby
Ways to Give
Donate Most Needed Items:
Tents
Tarps
Sleeping Pads
In the event of a power outage during cold weather, the City of Bainbridge Island may activate the Senior Center as a Warming Center. Learn more...
Get Severe Weather Shelter Updates
The severe weather shelters serve all citizens in our area who require safe overnight refuge when hazardous weather conditions are expected. Further activation will be weather and volunteer dependent.
Severe Weather Shelters provide safe and warm beds in Poulsbo, Kingston, Silverdale, and Port Orchard during severe weather events Nov 1 - Mar 31.
Call 2 - 1 - 1 or text*
KITSAPSWS
to 898-211
Nearby Shelter Locations Click Map
Guests will not be permitted to check into the shelter after 9 PM. If no guests have checked into a shelter location by 9 PM, that location will close for the evening.
Port Orchard United Methodist Church
725 Kitsap St
Port Orchard, WA
Silverdale United Methodist Church
9982 Silverdale Way
Silverdale, WA
Village Green Community Center
26159 Dulay Rd NE
Kingston, WA
(Open from 6:30 PM til 6:30 AM)
Gateway Fellowship
18901 8th Ave NE
Poulsbo, WA
Helpline House Food Bank and Social Services of Bainbridge Island
Helpline House has a policy of non-discrimination regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preference, age, disability or veteran’s status, and is in compliance with all requirements of law and regulations with respect to employment, volunteer participation or service delivery.
