Bellevue's Approach to Homelessness Outreach

In Bellevue, homelessness is a reality that affects hundreds. With rising costs of living, a harsh job market, lack of mental health resources, and a myriad of other factors, locals can find themselves struggling to make ends meet. The city’s Homelessness Outreach Program seeks to meet people where they’re at and guide them through the journey toward being housed. The program is built on a foundation of empathy, safety, and accountability — striving not only to respond to immediate concerns, but also to develop long-term solutions for those experiencing homelessness. 

At the forefront of this work is the city’s outreach team which plays a multifaceted role. They juggle a variety of responsibilities including directly engaging with unsheltered individuals, addressing community concerns, and serving as subject matter experts on homelessness. Their approach emphasizes balance. While the city maintains ordinances such as the prohibition of public camping, enforcement is handled with care and intention while acknowledging the vulnerability faced by those living on the streets.

“We try to be both aware of the needs of the individual, while also ensuring that public spaces are safe and accessible to the general public,” Program Manager Nico Quijano explained.

The team’s guiding principle is simple: get people indoors. But achieving that goal can be much more challenging. Barriers like limited shelter space and systemic challenges mean that helping even one person stabilize requires consistent, sustained effort. The outreach team often accompanies individuals every step of the way by driving them to appointments, helping them fill out forms, and sitting beside them in lines. 

“Not having an ID can be an immediate roadblock,” said Quijano. “We’ll get in the car with them, talk them through the process, and make sure they get what they need.” 

Bellevue is home to three shelters — Porchlight, The Sophia Way, and Mary’s Place. Each one consistently operates at full capacity, serving hundreds of people daily and demonstrating the need for such shelters. They offer vital resources and 24/7 care, and Quijano encourages community members to get involved through volunteering, donations, or word of mouth. Each shelter maintains a list of current needs and offers orientations for new volunteers, and is an essential step on the road to helping people access shelter and safety.

The city's team acknowledges that not everyone will be receptive to their help initially. It takes time for them to earn an individual's trust, especially since many experiencing homelessness have had previous encounters with systems that promised help and didn’t deliver. They acknowledge this and move at a slower pace, making sure not to over-promise and always be transparent about what they can and can't offer.

“We start with small gestures like a bottle of water, a warm pair of gloves, or even just asking about the band on their T-shirt,” said Quijano. “That’s how we build rapport. Eventually, that rapport becomes trust, and that’s what allows us to help someone move indoors.” 

Beyond traditional shelter, the city also funds an innovative Safe Parking pilot program, managed by the nonprofit 4 Tomorrow. The program provides secure, monitored overnight parking for individuals and families living in their vehicles. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a kitchen, and a communal area where residents can complete homework, charge phones, and meet with case workers. While the program prioritizes families with children, it also supports others on a case-by-case basis. Since its launch in May 2024, it has successfully helped more than 30 families, including over 60 children, transition into permanent housing. 

Ultimately, Bellevue’s approach to homelessness rests on a simple, powerful belief: everyone deserves access to safety and dignity. While the road to housing is long and complex, the City of Bellevue promises to remain by the side of those who need support the most. Soon, locals will be able to access a public-facing dashboard that will improve communication, share data, and provide a transparent view into the city’s homelessness response. 

“We can have differing priorities,” Quijano said, “but at our core, we all want the same thing for our community – safety, where everyone feels welcomed and respected.” 

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