Downtown Emergency Service Center

DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a recognized national leader in implementing innovative and cost-effective strategies to end chronic homelessness since 1979. Located in Seattle, WA, DESC provides comprehensive services including permanent supportive housing, shelter and emergency housing, mobile crisis response, mental health and substance use disorder outpatient treatment, and opioid treatment. The organization serves people experiencing homelessness and those with profound challenges through a Housing First approach, offering low-barrier, immediate, long-term stable housing paired with behavioral health, medical, and support services. In 2025, DESC supported 6,569 unduplicated clients across their service continuum.