The City of Renton partners with many agencies to serve our unhoused and vulnerable residents. Here are some ways we help our community:
FD Cares: The Fire Department Community Assistance, Referrals and Education Services program (FD CARES) provides those who are unhoused with mental health resources. The team includes a social worker and a nurse who travel the area addressing those facing mental health issues, or needing other assistance. This program is through Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and helps address medical and crisis calls before they become a medical emergency. They also assist with navigating the social service network and provide advocacy with insurance and other health care professionals.
Risk Solutions Unlimited (RSU): Risk Solutions Unlimited (RSU) is a pilot program the city has implemented recently to provide assistance to those in downtown Renton. RSU provides two safety agents to walk the downtown Renton area each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to engage the unhoused community offering assistance, and advocating for their safety and well-being.
Peer Kent at Renton Library: A Peer Services Specialist helps those impacted by addiction, mental health, or other crisis by connecting people to community resources and services they need, including shelter, housing, education, food, and mental health referrals. Peers are individuals with lived experiences on a path to recovery and can draw on their experiences to help individuals reach wellness goals. The current Peer Kent hours at the Renton Library at 100 Mills Ave. S are:
- Tuesdays/Wednesdays: 12:15-8:15 p.m.
- Thursdays/Fridays: 9:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10:15 a.m.-6:15 p.m.
Renton Library Resource Days: The Renton Library also offers a resource day the third Friday of each month from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Attendees are able to directly connect with many local agencies, and includes free food, hygiene kits, free haircuts, and free phones.
Renton Community Court Virtual Resource Center: The Renton Court holds a virtual resource center every Thursday from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. for community court clients as well as members of the public that need assistance.
Agape Love of Renton: The city has a pilot contract with Agape Love of Renton to provide targeted outreach to those who are unhoused or housing unstable, working out in the community connecting those to resources and provided them with needed items.
Emergency Feeding Program SOS Pop-Up Lunches: The Emergency Feeding Program has a mobile van that holds pop-up lunch events at various locations around the city to help vulnerable populations. The events are typically on Wednesdays from 12- 2 p.m. and include ready-to-eat food and drinks, hygiene kits, and socks.
Salvation Army Street Level Team: The Street Level Team assists those living in their cars. Their outreach vans are mobile offices so they can serve people right where they meet them.
Renton School District: The federal McKinney Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act ensures enrollment and education stability for homeless children and youth. It includes free transportation to and from school, free meals, assistance with school fees, school supplies, and referrals to social services. The Renton School District has a designated McKinney Vento Liaison to help Renton's homeless youth.
Emergency Severe Cold Weather Overnight Shelter: The City of Renton activates an overnight shelter in times of severe cold weather. Activations typically occur when the daily high temperature is forecasted to be 35 degrees or below and the daily low temperature is forecasted to be 30 degrees or below for one or more days.
The city partners with REACH to provide staffing for the overnight shelter at St. Anthony’s Parish, 501 S. 4th St. The Overnight Severe Weather Shelter, when activated, includes the following:
- Separate area for men, women, and families
- Snacks/food/warm beverages will be provided
- Mats and blankets will be provided
Warming/Cooling Centers: During extreme weather conditions (hot or cold), the Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy, can be activated as a center for those in need to escape the harsh conditions, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For other Severe Weather Shelters in King County, visit King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) at Severe Weather Response - KCRHA
Other city programs for lower income residents
- Renton Housing Repair Assistance Program: This program provides free minor home repairs to eligible Renton homeowners. Repairs include electrical, plumbing, roofing, ADA improvements, and others to improve health and safety.
- King County Housing Repair Program: King County provides larger home repairs up to $25,000 at 0% interest to lower income Renton homeowners. For more information, call 206-263-9095.
- Reduced Utility Tax: The City of Renton offers reduced rates for water, wastewater, surface water and garbage for low-income seniors and low-income disabled residents.
- Gift of Play Scholarships: Recreation scholarships are available to lower income youth and seniors so they may enjoy Renton’s recreations programs at no charge.
- City Human Services Application Process: Over $800,000 in city general funds is allocated annually for agencies as part of the Human Services Funders Collaborative (HSFC) to serve Renton’s vulnerable population. The next application process for 2025-2026 funding occurs this spring with applications due April 8, 2024.
Get immediate assistance
- 911 – Emergency Response: Call 911 for emergencies and situations requiring immediate intervention, ensuring public safety and swift assistance during critical incidents.
- 211 – Information and Referral Services: 211 connects individuals to vital health and human services and guides them to the most appropriate assistance that are typically the underlying cause of crisis
- 988 – Mental Health Crisis Support: 988 is the new number for mental health crisis calls, providing immediate access to trained professionals offering crucial support during challenging times.
Stay connected to the city
- Human Services Line: The City of Renton also has a limited human services help line at 425-430-6650 to assist with local resources and referrals.