Founded in 1993 by three women in the Eastside Interfaith community, PorchLight is a foundationally sound, resource-expansive, client-centered non-profit serving East King County. PorchLight (formerly known as Congregations for the Homeless) is the only full-service shelter for adult single men experiencing homelessness in our area.
“Homelessness is a complex social issue in this country. The reasons why someone finds themselves experiencing homelessness are often equally complex. At PorchLight’s Eastgate Shelter a hundred men sleep under our roof on any given night. Each one has a unique story, a unique set of circumstances, and a unique vision of what is next for him. Conversely, we as a staff and an organization have a single focus: Provide each man with support and services to travel his path to stable housing,” says Troy Christensen, PorchLight Executive Director.
PorchLight staff is made up of nearly 50 individuals, and one in five staff members are former clients. Hiring former clients makes for deeper connections with the men who come in for help, thereby getting them into necessary programs sooner with a higher rate of success.
In June of 2023, PorchLight moved into their new 20,000-square-foot facility in Bellevue that houses a 24/7 Emergency Men’s Shelter (EMS) and Day Center - which includes 100 shelter beds, dining area, services for behavioral health, housing navigation, substance-use counseling, and case management. The EMS and Day Center are safe and supportive for men experiencing homelessness to sleep, eat, take showers, do laundry, and connect to life-transforming relationships and services that lead to stable employment, better health, and stable housing.
For more than three decades, PorchLIght has been dedicated to supporting men experiencing homelessness in East King County as they journey from the outside in.
How Can The Community Help?
Donate:
+Financial Gifts – Amounts of any kind have impact. Consider a one-time or recurring gift.
+Clothing – new and gently used men’s clothing is accepted with scheduled drop off.
+Meals – Lunch and dinner meals for 100 accepted with a scheduled drop off.
Volunteer:
+Sign up for our Volunteer Orientation offered the 3rd Wednesday of every month.
Tours and Presentations:
+Schedule a tour of our new building for your small group of 8-10.
+Request a presentation at your business or community group.
Find details on how to connect with PorchLight at porchlightcares.org.