Quick Take  

• Washington 211 mobilized a statewide response to Washington Wildfires within hours and partnered with Airbnb.org to connect evacuees with temporary emergency housing  

• To date, we’ve referred hundreds of households and more than 3,000 people along with over 1,600 pet companions for temporary emergency housing

• 211’s team keeps hope alive for evacuees: “This was such a relief. With not knowing firsthand if we have a house to go back to, at least once we get into the Airbnb, we can sleep a little more soundly.” – Evacuee 

As wildfires spread across Eastern Washington, Washington 211 mobilized within hours to support residents evacuating their homes and searching for basic needs resources. In Spokane County, the Spokane Complex Fires have burned more than 10,000 acres and impacted more than 900 structures.

Partnership with Airbnb.org  

Within hours of the first evacuations, Airbnb.org and Washington 211 partnered to help people displaced from their homes access temporary housing. Airbnb.org works with local organizations before disasters strike so housing support can be made available quickly. Washington 211 identifies residents in need of temporary housing and refers eligible help seekers to Airbnb.org, which provides credits to book nearby Airbnb stays that meet their needs—often close to workplaces, schools or support networks.

Christoph Gorder, Executive Director of Airbnb.org, emphasized the role temporary housing can play as communities begin to recover:
“We’re grateful to work with our partners to help people displaced by the wildfires find a free temporary place to call home as their recovery process begins.” 

To date, we’ve referred hundreds of households for emergency housing provided by Airbnb.org. Those households represent more than 3,000 people and over 1,600 pet companions.

Crisis Connections CEO Michelle McDaniel said of the partnership:  
“As the provider of 211 in Washington, Crisis Connections is committed to ensuring those impacted by the devastating wildfires are connected to essential resources in their community. Through this partnership, 211 can now offer something no one should have to go without—a safe place to sleep tonight.”

211’s Ongoing Impact During the Spokane Complex Fires  

211 extended hours to meet the demand for people in need of emergency housing—ramping up in the early days of the response to 24/7 support for help seekers in the affected counties. As of August 11, 2026, 211 has received more than 1,440 calls related to disaster resources, including housing and shelter, food pantries and clothing.  
 
A family who lost their home in the fire shared their gratitude with Natacia, a 211 Certified Information & Referral Specialist and TBI Advocate: 
“This was such a relief. With not knowing firsthand if we have a house to go back to, at least once we get into the Airbnb, we can sleep a little more soundly.” – Evacuee 

Coordinating with Partners Across Washington  

Along with Airbnb.org, Washington 211 is coordinating with the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, United Way and Washington State Emergency Management Division to support efforts provide housing, shelter and disaster resources to evacuees. These vital partnerships strengthen coordination across the state.  
 
Throughout the response, 211’s skilled information and referral specialists have helped navigate the complex needs of help seekers with understanding and compassion.  
 
A mother living out of state reached out for help for her son and his partner after they were evacuated and shared this with Kerri, a 211 Information and Referral Specialist: 
 “I can’t thank you enough for everything, it’s difficult being so far away. Your voice is so kind, and you’ve been so great to work with. I feel so much better right now.” 

211 Remains Central While Communities Rebuild 

Washington 211 will continue to support relief efforts. As our communities rebuild, 211 will continue to connect help seekers with the basic needs that we all deserve—food, shelter, health care, transportation and human kindness. 
 
“I’m grateful that I got to talk with a live person. I feel like I’ve had door after door shut on me or that I have to jump through hoops and hurdles to get through to live agents. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story.” – A grandmother looking for resources for herself and grandchild 

Many students in Washington State will head back to school this month, and we know returning to school can be challenging.  

Quick Take:  

• Teen Link is here for youth who are struggling 
• Where to Turn for Teens is our resource for anyone looking for resources for a teen 
• Warm line and 988 provide emotional support for adults 

Back to school blues?  

Transitioning from summer into school can be a difficult adjustment. New teachers come with new expectations, different schedules and new routines, and it can be difficult to feel like you have a handle on everything. It can also be a time of changing friendships and relationships. Our teen volunteers who answer the phones of our peer support line Teen Link get it. They are ready to listen and hold space for your experience. 

We also want to acknowledge that it might be a little heavier this year since the wildfire has impacted thousands of teens and their families. However you are feeling is okay, and we are ready to listen without judgment.  

If you are a teen, you can text or call Teen Link at 866-833-6546 or chat at teenlink.org/chat. Our line is open from 6pm to 10pm every night; chats and texts must start by 9:30pm to allow time for a conversation (they take a little longer than calls).  

Resources for those caring for teens 

We produce a yearly booklet called Where to Turn for Teens with resources for youth under 21 in Washington. You might have seen them around, but did you know we have a digital database version too? Go to Search.TeenLink.org to search reliable resources anytime.  

Signs you might need to check-in with a teen:  

• Change in mood 
• Isolation 
• Appetite Changes 
• Too much or too little sleep 
• Irritability 
• Comments or jokes about suicide 

For the Family 

Our well-being is connected to our environment and the people around us. If you are an adult looking to support a teen in your life, remember that you deserve support and care too. If you want to show up for others in the way you would want to, you have to show up for yourself first.  

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 
Call or text 988 anytime 
Chat at chat.988lifeline.org 

Washington 211  
Call, text, chat 211 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 
Find reliable resources anytime at Search.wa211.org 

Recovery Help Line 
Call 866-789-1511 anytime 
Text 866-789-1511 from 9am–9pm 

Warm Line 
Call 877-500-9276 daily from 2pm–10pm 

• Airbnb.org is partnering with Washington 211 to identify people impacted by several active wildfires in Washington state and connect them with a free place to stay.
• Airbnb.org has provided over 1,400 nights of free emergency housing as of Aug. 11.

Airbnb.org, a nonprofit founded by Airbnb to provide emergency housing in times of crisis, is partnering with Washington 211 to offer free emergency housing to residents displaced by several active wildfires across six Washington counties and three tribal communities. Stays are free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of donors.

“When disaster strikes, a comfortable place to call home can make all the difference, while providing first responders an opportunity to recharge for the next day,” said Christoph Gorder, Executive Director of Airbnb.org. “We’re grateful to work with our partners to help people displaced by the wildfires find a free temporary place to call home as their recovery process begins. ”

“Washington 211 has long been the front door to help in Washington—and now, thanks to our partnership with Airbnb.org, that includes temporary housing for people who are displaced or lost their homes” said Deb Miller, Washington 211 Board Chair.

“As the provider of 211 in Washington, Crisis Connections is committed to ensuring those impacted by the devastating wildfires are connected to essential resources in their community. Through this partnership, 211 can now offer something no one should have to go without—a safe place to sleep tonight” said Michelle McDaniel, CEO, Crisis Connections

How it works

Airbnb.org partners with local organizations before disaster strikes, so housing support is available quickly. Washington 211 is identifying residents in need of temporary housing and referring them to Airbnb.org, which provides credits to book a nearby Airbnb stay that meets their needs—often close to their workplaces, schools, or support networks.

Temporary housing is available to residents in the following counties and tribal communities who are displaced by wildfires:

• Spokane, Stevens, Chelan, Okanogan, Yakima and Ferry counties
• Spokane, Colville and Yakima tribal communities

To determine eligibility, displaced residents should call 211 between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm Pacific Time. A specialist will provide personalized support throughout the referral process.

How to help

Anyone interested in supporting those impacted by the wildfires in Washington can help by donating to Airbnb.org. 100 percent of donations go directly toward connecting people in crisis with emergency housing. If you’re an Airbnb host, you can sign up to provide discounted Airbnb.org stays.

Airbnb.org in Washington

Since its founding in 2020, Airbnb.org has provided nearly 17,000 nights of free emergency housing in Washington. Following the Skagit River flooding in December 2025, Airbnb.org and Washington 211 partnered to provide nearly 1,300 nights of free emergency housing.

About Airbnb.org

Airbnb.org is a nonprofit organization founded by Airbnb that connects people to free emergency housing in times of crisis. Airbnb.org pays for stays, leverages the Airbnb platform, and taps into Airbnb’s global community of hosts willing to share their homes with those in need. Airbnb covers all Airbnb.org’s operating costs and makes no money on Airbnb.org stays. This means 100% of donations directly fund stays for people in need of emergency housing. Since 2020, Airbnb.org has provided 1.6 million nights of free, temporary housing in nearly 140 countries around the world.

About Washington 211 and Crisis Connections

Washington 211, is the state’s free resource and referral service connecting residents to personalized basic needs navigation including housing, food, utility payment assistance, healthcare, and transportation. Crisis Connections, a Washington nonprofit, operates 211 throughout the state and has provided crisis care response, peer connection, and basic needs resources to the community for over 60 years. Washington 211 is available by phone, text, chat or online resource database at Search.wa211.org. Trained specialists are available to help people navigate the complex network of local and statewide resources.

For media inquiries, please reach out to Megan Hampson, Chief Philanthropy & Community Relations Officer: MHampson@CrisisConnections.org.
Updated 8/12/26

Across Washington State, organizations serving Black, Indigenous and People of Color provide mental health care rooted in culture, community and lived experience. This month, we’re shining a light on just a few Washington organizations that center mental health care on cultural connection and understanding.  

Connect with Care

The Therapy Fund Foundation (TFF) is a nonprofit providing mental health care to Black community members. Its programs include free therapy, healing circles, Preserving Black Families, which focuses on sustaining and strengthening family relationships, and Youth H.E.A.L., which supports healing and violence prevention for Black youth. TFF also supports equitable pay for clinicians and offers tuition and book assistance to students pursuing psychology degrees. 

Asian Counseling and Referral Services (ACRS)  is a social justice organization promoting the health and well-being of Asians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and other communities in King County.  Through its behavioral health and wellness programs, ACRS serve adults and youth with therapy, medication, counseling and case management. ACRS also offers wellness services that include Western and Eastern medicine, like primary care and acupuncture. 
 
Native & Strong Lifeline is a partnership between the 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) focused on raising awareness, providing education and sharing resources to prevent suicide and strengthen tribal communities. Native & Strong also offers support for Native youth, 2SLGBTQIA+ and veteran community members. Help seekers can reach the Native & Strong Lifeline by dialing 988 and selecting option 4 any time, day or night. The lifeline is available to all Native people in Washington State.  
 
Sea Mar Community Health Centers serve 13 counties in Washington State. Sea Mar’s behavioral health department provides culturally competent mental health and substance use services from therapists, counselors, psychiatric providers and other professionals. diverse communities, specializing in care for Latinos. Many staff speak more than one language, providing a care environment that is inclusive and accessible.  

Thoughtful Support from Crisis Connections 

When you need to talk, text or chat, we’re here to listen and support you—on the best days and during hard times. Our helplines are staffed by people from many backgrounds who understand the importance of support and referrals that reflect each help seeker’s needs and experiences. 

We offer live interpretation in more than 155 languages and are available 24/7 for mental health emergencies. You can also find basic needs resources and peer support through our website. 

Learn more about Bebe Moore Campbell, the origins of BIPOC Mental Health Month and additional mental health resources through The Mental Health Coalition’s Reclaim Your Roots guide. 

Self-care on the go can be as easy as filling a bag with items that help you focus, feel grounded or remember that moments of anxiety can pass.

Quick Steps

• Find a bag, purse or pouch
• Pick a sweet treat.
• Choose a fidget or trinket.
• Add a water bottle or hydration packet.
• Include a notebook or art supplies.
• Keep information for 988, Recovery Help Line, Warm Line or Teen Link nearby.

Pick a Bag

Choose something to hold your self-care items. It could be a favorite bag, purse, pouch or repurposed shopping bag. Show your creativity by decorating your container with stickers, patches or drawings.

Pick a Sweet Treat

A strong flavor, such as sour candy, can give your senses something immediate to focus on when you are feeling overwhelmed. Chewy candy may also provide comforting sensory input.

You could also include a favorite chocolate or another treat and practice eating it mindfully. Slow down and notice its smell, texture, flavor and how it feels as you eat it.

Choose something that works for your tastes, dietary needs and sensory preferences.

Find Inspiration in Everyday Items

From fidgets to keychains and charms, everyday objects can offer ways to engage and soothe your senses. Try a stress ball, smooth rock, textured fabric, wooden coin or another small item you enjoy holding.

A favorite trinket that shows off your style or reminds you of a happy moment can also provide a little burst of joy.

Make Hydration a Habit

Drinking enough water supports your overall physical and emotional well-being. Keep a reusable water bottle or a few hydration packets in your kit so you can stay hydrated while you are on the go.

You could also add a small snack that meets your dietary needs.

Write or Make Art

Sometimes writing about what you are feeling can make complicated emotions easier to understand. Keeping a notebook or journal in your kit gives you a private place to write, make lists or collect your thoughts.

A few portable art supplies can also create opportunities to draw, color or paint your way toward greater clarity and calm.

Add What Feels Good to You

Stickers, patches, photos, affirmations or mini vision boards can all find a home in your self-care kit. The goal is to create something filled with items that help you feel comforted, grounded and supported through whatever you may be feeling or experiencing.

Everyone’s kit will look different. Choose what works for you.

Keep Help Handy

Keeping helpline information in your bag makes it easier to connect with support when you or someone you care about needs it.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 anytime
Chat at chat.988lifeline.org

Recovery Help Line
Call 866-789-1511 anytime
Text 866-789-1511 from 9am–9pm

Warm Line
Call 877-500-9276 daily from 2pm–10pm

Teen Link
Call, text or chat daily from 6pm–10pm
866-833-6546
teenlink.org/chat

Looking for another creative addition to your bag? Download one of our coloring sheets:

• My ideas are beautiful
• Every day is a fresh start
• If you stumble
• Let your heart speak

Follow us on social for more DIY self-care ideas

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Every day, people across our community reach out to Crisis Connections when emergencies happen—mental health or basic needs crises, loneliness or times when real human connection is needed. Help seekers come from all backgrounds across the State of Washington. First responders and community-based providers rely on the expert support and trusted guidance Crisis Connections offers.  

In 2025, Crisis Connections supported more than 729,000 people across our programs, connecting help seekers to care, compassion and whole-person support when they needed it most.  

Through our 10 programs, we connect people to basic needs resources, crisis and peer support to adults and youth, support after suicide loss, professional consultation to first responders and mental health professionals, and dispatched crisis teams for emergency in-person support. 

Our programs include 988, 911 Diversion, 211, Community Care Hub Intake Center, Crisis Services, Mobile Crisis Dispatch, Recovery Help Line, Teen Link, Warm Line and Support After Suicide. We staff the King County Stop Hate Hotline, veteran services for King County and Community Living Connections as part of our expanded work for 211.  

The real-life impact for help seekers spans beyond the numbers. Our friends, family, co-workers and community members call, text and chat when they are facing life’s toughest moments. One help seeker shared, “When I first moved here, I was lost. I was fleeing domestic violence and trying to start my life over. 211 saved me.” 

2025 year in review 

In 2025, Crisis Connections helped people across a wide range of needs: 

• 729,871 people reached out for help 
• 364,079 people connected to basic needs resources 
• 219,170 people received crisis support 
• 109,109 consultations for first responders and mental health professionals 
• 75,282 interventions for substance use disorder  
• 27,680 adults and youth received mental health and suicide loss peer support 
• 6,129 dispatches for emergency in-person support by a Mobile Crisis Team 
• 3,408 calls were diverted from 911 

We also saw meaningful signs of distress relief and crisis stabilization. In 2025, 91% of people expressed appreciation or satisfaction, 85% of calls were resolved or stabilized and 72% of help seekers reported distress relief.  

These outcomes reflect the dedication of our staff and volunteers who answer the call every day with care, skill and humanity. 

As one 988 help seeker shared, “I really appreciate the care you provide at 988. Receiving a follow-up call made my day—I make a lot of outgoing calls but don’t receive many. Your support is life changing.” 

What changes are we seeing from this time last year? 

The need for immediate mental health support and connection to basic needs resources continues to rise. Economic pressure, gaps in insurance and health care access, and the growing number of community members experiencing emotional crisis mean more people are urgently looking for help.  

In early 2026, 150,390 people reached out for help, a 26% increase compared to early 2025. Crisis Connections also saw a 55% year-over-year increase in dispatches for emergency in-person support and a 75% increase in calls diverted from 911 to 988 or 211.

Between January and March of 2026, Crisis Connections provided: 

• 150,390 people reached out for help 
• 116,901 people connected to basic needs resources 
• 63,727 people provided with crisis support 
• 25,379 consultations for first responders and mental health professionals 
• 20,745 interventions for substance use disorder 
• 7,319 adults and youth received mental health and suicide loss peer support  
• 2,172 dispatches for emergency in-person support by a Mobile Crisis Team 
• 880 calls diverted from 911 
  

These increases show what many people already know from their own lives and work: people need accessible support that meets them where they are. They need someone to listen. They need options. They need care that recognizes the full picture of their lives. 

One help seeker shared feelings of deep loneliness. Our Crisis Counselor listened, offered validation and gentle redirection and helped the caller feel heard and emotionally grounded.  

Here every day 

For 62 years, Crisis Connections has been a steady and reliable presence for people in moments of crisis and need. Help seekers, loved ones, community members, providers and first responders continue to trust Crisis Connections when a mental health or basic needs emergency happens.  

No one has to struggle alone. Whether someone needs emotional support, crisis care, resource navigation or help finding the right next step, Crisis Connections is here to answer the call. 

Together we celebrate our LGBTQIA2S+ community with love, pride and joy. We hear stories every day from folks who are fully embracing who they are with peace and a sense of belonging—even when the world feels challenging. There’s always a space to here share your heart, journey and concerns with peers and specialists for the toughest days.   

“I want people to fall in love with themselves and to be really proud and full of joy for the space they take up. If someone else appreciates the space you take up, then that’s icing on the cake.” 

–Jonathan Van Ness

 
Being seen, known and supported is deeply important to nurture our mental and emotional health—and that includes having help that affirms who you are.  
 
This summer, connect with community, learn more about each other and find common ways we can all inspire hope, help and healing.  
 
Crisis Connections will be at Pride Fest Seattle Center on Sunday, June 28. Stop by and see us!  
 
Explore Pride events in your area:  

• Yakima Pride Festival & Parade | June 20 
• Trans Pride | June 26 
• Pride in Perry Spokane | June 27 
• Tacoma Pride | July 11  

Check out Treehouse’s Pride Guide 2026 for in-person events across the Washington.  
 
Show your Pride and support virtually:  

• Together for Pride – Seattle’s Virtual Pride | June 26-28 
• Calling Up Justice Accessible Virtual Pride Celebration | July 4-5  
• Stories, Podcasts and Pride History from the Smithsonian | Ongoing 

We continue to express our unwavering gratitude for every volunteer who comes in week after week and shows up for our community. The gift of their time and care has been changing lives for 62 years.

Want to thank a volunteer? Email us!  

• Today was tough. I felt sad.
• Things feel really stressful.
• I’m lonely.

Questions

• How are you?
• What’s on your mind today?
• I’m thinking about you. Can we talk or text?

Connecting in Quiet
We connect through many forms of communication—spoken words, signed language, gestures, writing, and quiet presence. We don’t always have to explain to feel validated or understood. Sitting together in silence builds meaningful connection and gives us time to find emotional clarity. It says, “I’m here. I’m present. I’m with you.”

Connecting with Help
Connection doesn’t just happen with the people closest to us—many times it comes from the care and compassion of the staff and volunteers at 988, 211, Recovery Help Line, Teen Link, and Warm Line. Sometimes we don’t feel like we can talk to people close to us. That’s okay. It can be a comfort to know someone is there, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for everything from everyday worries to coping with life-altering change.

“The Warm Line is that one place for me where I’m not judged, just supported by someone who knows the struggle.”
– Help seeker who connects with Warm Line for regular support

More than 729,000 people reached out to Crisis Connections last year in search of support for themselves or someone else. Every help seeker shares one thing in common: they reached for connection when they needed it most. Crisis Connections has been the calm in the storm for millions of people in Washington State since 1964. When you need us, we’ll be here with free, accessible support for mental health emergencies, basic needs emergencies, and peer support by call, text, or chat.

Washington’s first Teen-Led Mental Health Summit took place on March 21 at the Aura Event Center in Renton. Designed for middle and high school students, the summit also welcomed parents, educators, and community advocates. The event was organized by Uplift Teens Today, a nonprofit founded by Taanvi Arekapudi in partnership with Nexus Hub, a digital platform that provides 24/7 access to peer-led mental health resources.  
 
Teens Helping Teens  
Like Teen Link, the event centers on a “by youth, for youth” model. Youth ambassadors led the conversation, sharing lived experience and offering practical coping strategies for the challenges youth face. 
 
More than 300 youth, parents, educators, advocates, and volunteers attended. Washington State Representative Lisa Callan also made a special appearance. The summit aimed to expand access to early intervention tools, reduce stigma around mental health, and connect youth to help before they reach a crisis point.  
 
Community Impact in Mental Health Award  
Crisis Connections and Teen Link were honored to receive the Community Impact in Mental Health Award. Teen Link volunteer Julia C. accepted the award on behalf of our organization. Founded in 1996, Teen Link gives youth a place to turn for support from other teens. Volunteers offer a compassionate, confidential space to chat, text or talk openly about whatever is going on in their lives. This award belongs to the teens who volunteer their time, energy, and hearts to support others. We’re so proud to be part of this work.