Rules:

Urban Rest Stop is a low barrier service meant to provide low income and unhoused individuals with the means to meet their hygiene needs. As a low barrier facility we only require our patrons to provide their full name, their birthday, and to be on-time and capable of using the service. This however does not mean that the URS is tolerant towards any behavior that endangers, or threatens to endanger staff or other patrons. Our staff are given full discretionary authority to deny service to any individual. If a staff member deems a patron to be too intoxicated, or otherwise incapable of using the service in a time efficient manner, then staff may turn them away for the day. If intoxication or inability to stay on time in our showers or laundry becomes habitual behavior, it may result in a longer term bar. Agitation towards staff or other patrons is never tolerated, and depending on the severity of the behavior may result in up to a lifetime bar. And of course direct acts of violence will always result in a lifetime ban from all URS facilities.

FAQ

General Questions:

Who is the rest stop allowed to refuse service to?

URS (Urban Rest Stop) staff are permitted to refuse service to anyone at their own discretion. The length of a bar is determined by the severity of the offence. (Rules can be found under the rules tab on the website.)

Can I sign up my friend?

Each individual needs to either call, or come to the door to make their own appointments.

Can I make an appointment for tomorrow?

Urban Rest Stop only makes same day appointments, calling us earlier in the morning will likely ensure you get the time slot you want. 

Can I bring my children into the Urban Rest Stop?

Both URS locations are open to families, as well as individuals. However, children are expected to follow the same rules as any other patron using the facility and must be supervised at all times. Expected behavior includes but is not limited to respect of URS Staff and property, patron personal space and property, and reasonably calm and quiet behavior. URS Staff are happy to provide information on other services that cater specifically to low income and unhoused families in King County such as Mary’s Place or Angeline’s Day Center.

Can I bring pets into the rest stop?

As much as we love furry friends, not everyone using the URS services does. Pets that are leashed, calm, and able to stay with their owner at all times are welcome in the URS. We expect anyone who brings a pet into the URS to be responsible for them at all times, as well as any mess they may make (including shedding)

Does the rest stop provide toiletries + detergent?

Yep, the rest stop provides most basic toiletries, detergent, and towels.

Can I bring in donations?

Yes, the URS mostly accepts books, clothes, and toiletries, but it’s usually better to bring in small amounts of donations, as our space is very limited.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Yes, we enforce COVID-19 safety procedures in all URS locations. We believe that it is a hygiene center’s job to prevent the spread of COVID and other contagious diseases.

Both URS locations require staff and patrons to wear masks at all times inside the facility, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Regardless of local COVID-19 infection rates, the URS as a high-exposure, high-volume service will continue to enforce masking protocols in order to protect staff and patrons from a wide range of infectious diseases. Mask use protects all community members in and around URS facilities, and keeps the URS open by significantly reducing staff sickness. 

Does Urban Rest Stop do any housing placement?

No, but we do offer resources for other local organizations. 

What information do I need to provide to use the rest stop’s services?

We require patrons to provide their first name, last name, and birthday to use our services. This is to help us keep track of who is actively using the services, and to help coordinate our two locations.

What does it mean for the Urban Rest Stop to be low-barrier?

o   Both Urban Rest Stop locations serve individuals and families who are experiencing houselessness or cannot afford to access hygiene services. URS staff is happy to help patrons through the process of using the facility and answer any questions they may have, but anyone (including pets and children) must be capable of self-regulating behavior, time, and actions. Being low barrier does not mean the URS does not maintain firm boundaries, and once an individual or family’s behavior disrupts the peace, safety, and/or functionality of the space, they may be asked to leave and seek other services. 

What does it mean to be “barred”?

URS has every right to deny entry and service to a person. The length of the bar is determined by staff and could range from a few days to a lifetime bar. 

Both URS share information so if you are barred from one location, it applies to all locations. Violence, property damage, threatening/intimidating staff is not tolerated and are a few examples of what could lead to a permanent life bar. 

 

Laundry Questions:

How many loads of laundry can I do per day?

Everyone is entitled to one load of laundry every other day and one shower a day.

Can I leave the rest stop while my laundry is being done?

Yes, however this is a self-service facility meaning each individual is responsible for their own laundry and belongings. If you fail to show back up in time to move laundry from machines, staff might make the call to not allow you to leave while doing laundry again.

Can I use my own detergent in your laundry machines?

URS provides Tide detergent and preloads them for each person. If you wish to use your own laundry detergent, this needs to be communicated to staff prior to your appointment. Laundry pods are not allowed as they do not work with the high efficiency machines.

How long does it take to do a full load of laundry?

It usually takes around an hour and a half to both wash and dry a load of clothes through our machines. Generally we offer people showers while their clothes are in the dryer.

What if I want to wash the clothes that I’m wearing?

We provide coveralls to change into so that patrons can wash clothes that they’re wearing.

How do I schedule a laundry appointment?

You can either call our Ballard location’s phone number at (206) 258-3626, our downtown location’s phone number at (206) 332-0110 or come to the door and sign up. Please note that we only do day of appointments.

Can I wash sleeping bags?

No shoes, comforters, or large sleeping bags are allowed in our machines. Small sleeping bags are ok, at your own discretion, as the machines only hold a certain capacity and may not wash out a big sleeping bag.

 

Shower Questions:

Do I need to make an appointment to take a shower?

No, our showers are walk-in only. Once signed up on the shower list, staff will give you an estimated wait time. People with a laundry appointment are automatically added to the shower list.

Could I have extra time in the shower if I have a disability?

Yes, of course! We have a larger ADA accessible shower room, and we are more than willing to work with people.