Welcome Tent City 3 to Shoreline

Guest and resident entrance
to Tent City #3
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Updated 11-7-20122 1:43pm

By Marc Weinberg

On November 17th Tent City 3 returns to Calvin Presbyterian Church (3rd Ave NW and 185th Street). Tent City 3 is a portable, self-managed community of up to 100 homeless men and women.

Tent City 3 is a necessity because there are not enough indoor shelters for all who need a place to stay in King County. It provides a safe place to leave ones belongings, flexible hours for those who have a work schedule, and the ability for couples to stay together. According to King County Code this form of temporary housing can remain in one location no longer than 90 days. Therefore, November 17th is one of those required move days.

Our assistance is needed, especially on Saturday the 17th, to help set up their homes for the following 90 days. They are moving from Tukwila and the long drive will add to the burden of setting up all the tents during the shortened winter daylight. The move must be completed on this one day for all 100 adult residents.

What you can do to help  

Plan to arrive at the church by mid-morning ready to add your emotional and physical support.  There are tasks of all kinds that need to be accomplished. Some are light duty and others require more physical effort. Whatever your capacity, you will leave knowing you have contributed to a deserving group of people. 

As always, your help is appreciated in supporting this mobile camp of residents with much needed supplies to sustain their daily life with the items you and I take for granted. For current items on their ‘wish list’ please visit the website Greater Seattle Cares where you will also find suggestions on what you can do throughout the year.

Let’s show the residents of Tent City 3 that we care. Bring a friend and share the moment.  Rain or shine, it will happen on the 17th so please plan to be there.

More about Greater Seattle Cares

Greater Seattle Cares, a faith-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was established in 2005 to provide a vehicle for local communities to connect with Tent City 3 for the provision of the residents’ daily needs and to facilitate their transition to independent living. To achieve this mission, we strive to:

• Build a network of caring individuals and community partners committed to enhancing the quality of life of the residents.
• Coordinate efforts to deliver meals, clothing and supplies to the residents.
• Communicate needs and advocate for Tent City 3 at community meetings and potential host Sites.
• Collaborate with local organizations to develop opportunities for the residents to further their own development and self-sufficiency.

Greater Seattle Cares' vision: a world without homelessness in which communities come together to promote a better quality of life for those in need.