YWCA Pierce County

"Wish I could get in but beds are full. Hopefully I'll be alive after tomorrow since people at the Tacoma rescue mission wanna kill me and my dog at 6am so. I'll give y'all 5starts for at least trying to help me get my life back. I was really hopeful that this place was gonna be the step I needed to get on my feet for me and my furbaby"

"This place saved my life! I stayed for the full 90 days. I felt so safe and at peace. Calm....something I hadn't felt in so long. Don't get me wrong, its not a cake-walk by any means. Its hard. A lot of emotions, ups and downs. Self dought. Starting over is hard. Starting over after nearly loosing everything including yourself is harder. But they have your back 24 hours a day. Someone is always there to talk. They will help get you the resources you need and point you in the direction you need to go. But you have to ask. And you have to put in the footwork. No ones going to do it for you. Take advantage of all of the resources they have available. I never knew that there was so much help out there. I'm just extremely greatful for places like the YWCA. Thank you so much for your help!!! It was nice to have my own private space to heal. I made sure that I left my room better then it was when I got there. I'm so thankful to have had their help.They gave me my life back."

"In 1969 then in 1972 (ages 18 and 21) YWCA was for young women starting out on their own. I lived here, my first place on my own. They used a vintage switchboard phone system and would ring the floor when we received a call. One day from the library I discovered narrow a passage/stairway up to the attic and roof, kind of like a C. S. Lewis book. It was a cozy and homey place to live, simple and minimal."

"the staff are not professional on the shelter side. I received zero aid in moving out and had about zero assistance while there. many times tried to report abuse of children living down the hall and as "CPS mandators" they did absolutely no investigating or reporting on keeping these children safe. overall I was grateful I could stay in a safe room for 30 days but overall nothing that uplifted or assisted me in moving forward in life. I'm glad I found other resources that did however."

"I spent the full span at there DV shelter. It was probably the safest I had ever felt for so long after all the abuse then homelessness. They are firm on exit dates and certain rules and reasonably so. You don’t have to worry about food because they have a food pantry. You can get food at any time but be mindful of others who need it aswell. You can do your laundry and the outdoor area had a smoking gazebo and a play place with swings. Once a week they have a support group with volunteers making you dinner and then a support group for victims for teenagers and adults. The units are actually amazing with your own kitchen and bathroom and a lockable door. Be mindful you will have to atleast wait on a waiting list because DV and homelessness is on the rise. The advocate will not hand feed you. You have to take your life into your own hands and keep up with whatever housing program you’re in. But beyond that a vast majority of the staff are kind. Some are a bit intimidating. But it’s much like a secure dorm building. They give you toilet paper and feminine products. LOTS OF STAIRS!!"