Overview
A housing crisis can happen suddenly: a family in crisis, an eviction notice, a domestic violence situation, or a living arrangement that collapses without warning. For individuals with disabilities and their families, an already complex situation becomes even harder to navigate without knowing where to turn.
This page maps the emergency and transitional housing resources available in Benton and Franklin Counties, organized by the type of need. Because availability, intake status, and eligibility requirements change frequently, always call ahead or check current status before visiting. And if you’re not sure where to start, call 2-1-1 and their specialists have real-time information on which programs currently have openings.
If you are in immediate crisis, call 2-1-1 or 988 (mental health crisis line) first.
Coordinated Entry — The Front Door for Homeless Services
Washington State uses a Coordinated Entry System (CES) to connect people experiencing homelessness to the right housing resource. In Benton and Franklin Counties, CES is administered through Community Action Connections (CAC). Rather than calling individual shelters and programs one by one, families can contact CAC’s Housing Resource Center to be assessed and connected to the most appropriate available resource.
Community Action Connections (CAC) — Home Base Connections Center
720 W. Court St., Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-4042
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (closed 11:30 AM–1:00 PM for lunch)
Programs include: rental assistance, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, transitional housing (REACH program), Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA), and Permanent Supportive Housing.
⚠️ Current Status: As of the time of this writing, CAC’s Housing Emergency Assistance program is not accepting new applications. Check bfcac.org or their Facebook page regularly for updates, or call to ask about the current intake status.
Visit Community Action Connections
Emergency Shelters
Tri-City Union Gospel Mission
The primary emergency shelter provider in the Tri-Cities. Operates separate facilities for men, women, and families with children. 24-hour emergency shelter with check-in beginning at 1:30 PM daily.
- Men’s Shelter: 221 S. 4th Ave., Pasco | (509) 547-2112
- Women’s and Children’s Shelter: 110 N. 2nd Ave., Pasco | (509) 547-2112
tcugm.org
Salvation Army — Tri-Cities Corps
Emergency shelter, group homes, and transitional living centers providing housing, meals, and overnight lodging. Also provides food and utility assistance for Benton and Franklin County residents.
303 W. Clark St., Pasco | (509) 547-2138
tricities.salvationarmy.org
My Friend’s Place
Overnight emergency shelter specifically for youth.
Contact through 2-1-1 for current intake information.
Domestic Violence Emergency Housing
Domestic Violence Services of Benton and Franklin Counties
24-hour crisis line and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence. Call the crisis line for screening before arriving — do not show up without calling first.
24-Hour Crisis Line: (509) 582-9841
Toll-Free: 1-800-648-1277
Office: 3311 W. Clearwater, Suite C140, Kennewick | (509) 735-1295
dvsbf.org
Transitional Housing
Elijah Family Homes
Faith-based transitional housing and rental assistance for families in substance use recovery who cannot qualify for traditional housing funds. Three-year program providing clean and sober housing for low-income families.
P.O. Box 3027, Richland, WA 99354 | (509) 943-6610
elijahfamilyhomes.org
Benton Franklin Department of Human Services — Transitional Living Program
Short-term transitional housing for eligible individuals through BFDHS. 10 housing units with capacity for 22 adults, up to six months. Referral through DHS or mental health/medical providers.
7102 W. Okanogan Place, Suite 201, Kennewick | (509) 783-5284
Shelter Plus Care (BFDHS)
Permanent housing program for homeless persons with serious mental illness. Referral required through a mental health or medical provider.
7102 W. Okanogan Place, Suite 201, Kennewick | (509) 783-5284
Veterans Housing
HUD-VASH
Section 8 vouchers paired with VA case management for homeless veterans. Contact the Richland VA Medical Center to ask about VASH vouchers.
825 Jadwin Ave., Suite 250, Richland | (509) 946-1020
Wagenaar-Pfister House
Group home for veterans providing mentoring, counseling, chaplaincy, skill training, and case management. Requires DD214 honorable discharge, HUD homeless and income criteria, and clean and sober for at least 30 days.
(509) 302-3385
Blue Mountain Action Council — SSVF
Supportive Services for Veterans and Families — rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention for veterans and their families.
720 W. Court St. #3, Pasco | (509) 440-3229
Real-Time Resources
Emergency housing availability changes daily. Before calling individual programs, use these tools to find current openings:
Washington 2-1-1 — Dial 211 or visit wa211.org for real-time information on shelter availability, transitional housing openings, and referrals.
NextStepHelp.org — Locates local agencies with current housing availability including transitional housing, sober living, and shelter openings: nextstephelp.org
Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington
Housing counseling, emergency assistance, and connection to housing resources for low-income individuals and families.
2139 Van Giesen St., Richland | (509) 946-4645
catholiccharitiescw.org
A Note for Families of Individuals with Disabilities
Most general emergency shelters are designed for the broader homeless population and may not have the specialized supports needed for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. If your family member needs emergency housing and also has disability-specific support needs, contact CAA directly — our team can help identify whether any disability-specific resources or DDA connections may help bridge the gap while longer-term housing is arranged.
Contact Columbia Ability Alliance | Washington 2-1-1 | Community Action Connections
FAQ
Where should I call first if we need emergency housing tonight?
Call 2-1-1 first. They have real-time information on which shelters have availability right now. If you’re a domestic violence survivor, call the DV Services crisis line at (509) 582-9841 directly.
Does my family member need to have a disability diagnosis to access these resources?
No, most emergency housing resources serve anyone in crisis regardless of disability status. Some programs (like Shelter Plus Care) are specifically for individuals with mental illness; others are open to all.
What if my family member needs disability-specific support in a shelter setting?
This is a genuine gap in the local landscape, most emergency shelters are not set up for individuals with significant developmental or intellectual disability support needs. Contact CAA and 2-1-1 simultaneously to identify any specialized options.
Is there help for families who aren’t yet homeless but are at risk?
Yes, CAC’s homelessness prevention programs and rental assistance are specifically designed for households at imminent risk of losing their housing. Contact CAC before the situation becomes a crisis if possible.
