Kitsap Rescue Mission

There exists a pathway to transition individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent, affordable housing, provided they are willing to embrace change. Families need not reside in automobiles or temporary shelters, and elderly individuals can be assured warmth and safety. Comprehensive support is available for those seeking recovery from trauma, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders.

Since 2009, Kitsap Rescue Mission has been dedicated to assisting individuals in Kitsap County who are experiencing homelessness. The organization has evolved from its initial efforts of meal service into a robust, compassionate community, offering continuous-stay emergency shelter and a wide range of wrap-around services. These offerings instill hope, dignity, and provide a pathway toward self-sufficiency.

Currently, the following services are provided to guests on-site at the Pacific Building Shelter located on Mile Hill in Port Orchard:

• Safe and secure continuous-stay emergency shelter
• Three healthy and nutritious meals and snacks daily
• Case management
• Housing navigation
• Substance use disorder counseling
• Mental health counseling
• Medical care
• Dental care
• Haircuts
• Access to laundry facilities
• Pet care for guests' animals

In 2025, at the Pacific Building continuous-stay shelter for individuals and families, Kitsap Rescue Mission served 23,646 meals and provided 22,074 safe bed nights. The organization served 78 women, 64 men, 78 children and 17 pets.  Additionally we facilitated, 72 successful transitions into permanent housing. These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the programs offered.

Through operating emergency shelters, Kitsap Rescue Mission has observed a concerning trend: an increasing number of low-income single women, particularly elderly women, are unable to afford rent in Kitsap County, much less other necessities such as food, medication, transportation, or insurance. Waitlists for subsidized housing programs are lengthy and limited; ADA-accessible homes are even scarcer. The organization is actively developing a solution to support these women.

 "I want to live somewhere I'm not scared."

Tanya, aged 48, lives with a mobility disability resulting from a car accident. Although she receives disability benefits, these are insufficient to secure an accessible apartment in Kitsap County. She has been staying in temporary accommodations that are not wheelchair-friendly, which makes daily activities difficult and unsafe. Her aspiration is to have a home where she can move freely, access the bathroom without difficulty, and feel secure for the duration of her stay.

The cost of housing in Kitsap County has reached crisis levels. For many women, especially those with limited income, disabilities, or fixed incomes, stable housing remains unattainable. The fair market rent for a one-bedroom apartment exceeds their available income.

Each day, women in Kitsap County must make difficult decisions:

• Pay rent they cannot afford, thereby sacrificing food or medical care
• Live in unsafe conditions or with individuals who may exploit them
• Return to homelessness in the absence of viable alternatives

Rental rates in the county are among the highest in the region, and vacancy rates are at historic lows. For women with fixed incomes, particularly seniors and those with disabilities, there are few housing options that are both safe and affordable.

Women who lose housing frequently experience:

• Increased risk of violence or exploitation
• Declines in physical and mental health
• Obstacles to obtaining consistent medical care and support services

Kitsap Rescue Mission's latest initiative, Abby's House, will provide safe transitional housing for up to twelve women, allowing them to reside with dignity for as long as necessary. Situated in Port Orchard and opening in 2026, the residence spans 5,500 square feet and offers picturesque views of the water and mountains.

Abby's House will feature a main floor that is ADA accessible. It will be a trauma-informed housing solution, specifically designed to address the unique needs of women facing significant barriers to achieving stability.

Kitsap Rescue Mission has served individuals experiencing homelessness for sixteen years, and its mission statement reflects a commitment to long-term support for those without housing:

"Motivated by our faith in Christ, our mission is to build a community on the Kitsap Peninsula that cares for those experiencing homelessness." 

Kitsap Rescue Mission is uniquely qualified for this project, given its extensive experience supporting individuals in need. 

We invite you to partner with us to support all of this vital work in Kitsap County.  Please consider contributing to Kitsap Rescue Mission today. Together we are making a difference for our unhoused neighbors.