St. Martin de Porres Shelter provides a safe and dignified shelter for homeless men ages 50 and older. This is to be done in the spirit of ministry of presence, which fosters attention to the individual and respect for each person’s unique situation.
The Shelter opened in October 1984 and operates at its full capacity of 52 people. Primary services include:
• warm, safe, clean, and dry shelter provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks for residents
• health care assistance for those injured or too ill to be on the streets
• nursing care through Healthcare for the Homeless (up to 40 hours a week)
• transportation for medical appointments
• housing-focused case management, information, and referrals
• hygiene and shower facilities; towels and toiletries
• laundry facilities
• clothing room
• mailing address for residents
• mental health and substance-use counseling
• Veterans’ support and counseling from Department of VA outreach worker
To the best of our knowledge, St. Martin’s is the only shelter in the Puget Sound area that offers and targets such a multitude of services to this special population of older men who are vulnerable to the weather, young street predators, and illness.
The global COVID-19 pandemic drove St. Martin’s to reimagine and improve the way we provide housing for our homeless population. We have let go of the congregate shelter model and processes that were in place for decades. Giving people more space and private cubicles has enabled us to offer shelter in a safer and more dignified way.
St. Martin’s celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024 and our staff’s absolute dedication to our mission remains intact. We continue to work the front lines protecting the health and safety of the older folks we serve and actively work to transition unhoused people into stable, permanent housing. Since 2012, the year we added case managers, St. Martin’s and our sister programs have helped an average of 100 homeless seniors move into permanent housing annually! We are grateful for our dedicated volunteers, donors, and friends who help make our work possible 365 days a year.
