About

Mission

We believe that people who are homeless need a safe alternative to sleeping in the woods, under a bridge or on a bench. Camp Unity Eastside’s mission is to provide safe shelter and support for homeless adults in a community setting while they are working to obtain stable housing. The Camp Unity community promotes resilience, relationships, self-confidence, and hope. Thanks to caring donors, volunteers and other community partners, we have been sheltering and supporting people in need since 2012.

How We Do It

Each resident at Camp Unity is a responsible and active part of keeping the camp running. The camp maintains a code of conduct, including no drugs, alcohol or weapons. Residents must be at least 18 years of age and free of outstanding warrants and sex offender status. A volunteer board oversees camp management, seeks host organizations,  and manages finances.

Camp Unity provides a safe environment and a place to build community during a difficult season in life. We provide individual tents, community tents (such as for meals, kitchen and donations), portable toilets, waste management, hot showers, washer/dryer, bikes and a camp van.

We work in partnership with faith communities, individuals, businesses, local government, agencies, and other organizations. Churches and other hosts provide a location for camp consistent with local regulations. Generous volunteers and donors provide meals, supplies, and financial and other support.

Finding host sites and acquiring the necessary permits is essential to maintaining a safe tent encampment. The camp normally stays at a single location for about 4 months, though the length of stay can vary based on local regulations and the needs of the host. Our site selection process involves working with faith communities, local governments and neighborhoods to ensure that locations are scheduled, preferably for the next 1 to 2 years. Without a host site, there is no Camp Unity.

Residents take a lot of pride in the camp. When you visit, you’ll notice that things are fairly well-organized. You aren’t going to see piles of trash like you might have witnessed at less-structured homeless encampments around Seattle. There aren’t any open fires. Residents take turns working security and handling other camp operation needs.

When it is time for Camp Unity to move on, the camp residents (along with volunteers) work to ensure the location looks as good as when the camp arrived. Positive relationships with our hosts, local governments and neighbors are essential to our future!

We welcome individuals and groups who are looking to walk alongside camp residents by donating their time, talents, support, and resources. Camp Unity is a community effort that provides a much-needed service for Seattle’s Eastside.

Annual Report

To get a deeper view of Camp Unity and how we manage our finances, download our 2020 Annual Progress Report.