Arcadia began because of the belief that all young people, especially kids in South King County, deserve a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment to live in, and with the right partnerships between organizations, local governments and individual donors, we could create that place.

Arcadia is a 15-bed transitional home and 12-bed emergency shelter, and is the first housing and shelter program in South King County that integrates wraparound services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.  

Arcadia replaced an older shelter of the same name that operated from a 962-square foot home built in 1942 that served over 2,500 young adults annually and was operated by Nexus Youth and Family Services. In 2019, Nexus Youth and Family Services became a part of the YMCA of Greater Seattle and the partnership between the two organizations has resulted in a stronger core to serve the young people of South King County.  

Amid the pandemic, we welcomed the first residents to Arcadia's emergency shelter on May 5, understanding the critical need for housing when the Stay Home, Stay Safe order was mandated.  

Divided in to two parts, the campus serves young people at all stages including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter and long-term transitional housing. This new building is a place where we can truly be proud to serve our young people. It is a space designed with their needs in mind. 

Drop-In Center  

The Arcadia drop-in center is a place for young people to come during the day. The drop-in center is designed to give kids a safe place to hang out and young people are invited to work on homework, personal goals, employment, play games, socialize, do crafts or just relax. Young people who come to the drop-in center are also offered three hot meals as well as access to showers and laundry.  

Emergency Shelter 

At night, the drop-in center transforms into a night shelter where young adults have access to laundry, a hot meal, and a warm place to sleep.  

Permanent Supportive Housing

On the second floor, the permanent supportive housing is separated into clusters where groups of three residents share a common bathroom, kitchen, and living room like a dorm suite. Arcadia is anticipated to serve over 100 young adults in housing alone.  

Arcadia Grand Opening

Many thanks to our public, philanthropic, and private partners: 

King County | King County Housing Authority |State of Washington | Ballmer Group | Premera Blue Cross | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Medina Foundation | Muckleshoot Indian Tribe |Rita and Fred Poe | Lynda and Kim Anardi | Sue and Larry Benedict | Ann and Doug Happe