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1. I discovered an encampment, what can I do?

If you’re concerned about a person living outside and/or encounter an encampment and want to help, we encourage you to call police dispatch at 425-556-2500 to report the situation. Please don’t approach the site or anyone who might be at the site directly. 

The City’s goal is to encourage individuals who are sleeping outside to access services that will help them attain housing. Police work closely with our homeless outreach services to connect individuals to community resources.

2. I called the police, but the tent is still there. What now?

Often, it takes time to build trust. Responses vary as interventions are tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Police and outreach services will continue to work to connect people to resources.

3. Why doesn’t the city do something about panhandling?

Panhandling is not illegal unless the individual is blocking you or harassing you in some fashion. If you witness or experience aggressive panhandling, call 911 and provide a brief description of the individual and their location.

4. How can I help someone who asks for money?

• If they are experiencing homelessness, refer them to our homeless outreach administrator, Tisza Rutherford, 425-553-7093 or trutherford@redmond.gov.
• Consider donating to and/or volunteering with local organizations that focus on getting people off the street.
• Call 211, the Community Resource line, or check out their online resource guide.

5. What should I know about panhandling?

• Not everyone who panhandles is homeless. Many studies have found that only a small percentage of homeless people panhandle and only a small percentage of those who panhandle are homeless.
• Those who panhandle target locations where there are a lot of pedestrians and motorists.
• The average daily income from panhandling varies by area - $50-$60 a day in good areas of Seattle.
• Instead of giving money, consider some of these things a homeless person could use (PDF).