Shout Out to a Concerned Citizen and the Dutch Shisler Service Center in Seattle

Read part of a letter from a concerned citizen who requested that a woman who was passed out on the streets from drug addiction be taken to the Dutch Shisler Service Center in Seattle. The center provides a safe setting for people who are chronically homeless and inebriated to get sober and sleep so they do not end up in local hospitals and jails. This caring individual called to seek help for the woman struggling with addiction. If you see someone inebriated on the streets in Seattle don't just walk by, please call 911 and ask for the Emergency Services Patrol Van that can bring the person to Dutch Shisler. Thanks for caring!

"Hello,

"Just a quick note to say thank you very much for running the Dutch Shisler Sobering Center. Last night, I came upon a young woman who was passing out on a city sidewalk. Another woman and I both stopped to see if she was OK. She was barely able to stand, and she had trouble speaking clearly. She said she had been shooting meth. It was late at night, and she was all alone. It was not a safe area. Of course, there is no such thing as a "safe" area for a woman to be passed out on a city sidewalk, unable to defend herself.

"I was aware of the Shisler Center and its van. So, I asked her if she wanted to go to a safe place to sleep for the night. She eagerly replied that she did. I spent some time on the internet trying to figure out how to make that happen. Eventually, I called the non-emergency number for the Seattle Police Department, and requested the Shisler Sobering Center, specifically. (It was very good to know that I was calling for a service that would help her, not arrest her.) After that, the van arrived very quickly, and they carried her away to safety. Before she got in the van, she thanked us and hugged us.

"I'm so grateful that this service exists. Without it, I don't know what might have happened to this young woman. She could have been assaulted, or even killed. But instead, I know that she had a safe night. Please share this note with everyone involved with the center and the van. I know it's hard work, and I would like you all to know that it is appreciated."