Guide to assistance programs from Byrd Barr Place in Seattle
The work done by Byrd Barr Place of helping King County residents stay housed, heated, and fed — remains the same as it has been since 1964. Whether giving out food from The Market or streamlining the way people get utility help, below is a plain-English guide to what Byrd Barr Place does and the best starting points.
The organization's history is worth knowing. It began in 1964 as the Central Area Motivation Program, or CAMP — born out of the civil rights movement's push to address poverty in Seattle's historically Black Central District. CAMP was the first community-inspired organization in the country to receive War on Poverty funding. It became Centerstone in 2012, then Byrd Barr Place in 2018. Today it serves more than 1,000 households a week and is one of the oldest surviving anti-poverty agencies founded in that era.
Byrd Barr Place operates out of historic Firehouse 23 in Seattle's Central District, a 1909 building on the National Register of Historic Places. The address is 722 18th Avenue, Seattle, WA 9812. The main phone is 206-812-4940, and the organization's website is https://byrdbarrplace.org/. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Market: a food bank built to feel different
Byrd Barr Place's food bank is called The Market, and it was designed deliberately to not feel like a traditional food bank. Instead of pre-packed bags distributed at a counter, The Market operates more like a grocery store: clients move through the space and choose their own items from displays. The goal is to restore a sense of normalcy and dignity to an experience that can otherwise feel stigmatizing.
The Market is open to anyone who needs it. There are no income requirements to walk in, and there is no application process for food access. Clients can generally visit once per week. During Market hours, a diaper bank is also available with diapers and other childcare items — a resource that is not widely advertised but genuinely useful for families with young children. You can also look for additional options at our Seattle diaper bank page.
Items regularly stocked include fresh produce, cultural staples, meat, dairy, bread, canned and nonperishable goods, and household and personal care items like shampoo, toothpaste, and paper towels. Many items come from local growers and grocers. Bringing your own bags is encouraged.
For residents of zip codes 98102, 98112, or 98122 who are unable to make it to The Market in person due to disability, illness, or another verifiable barrier, Byrd Barr Place offers a weekly home delivery service. Deliveries generally take place on weekdays. Call 206-812-4940 to ask about availability or sign up for the waitlist through byrdbarrplace.org.
For current Market hours, check byrdbarrplace.org, as hours may occasionally shift. Hours as posted on the website are generally Tuesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 12 to 4 p.m., and Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Community Connector: referrals and application help
Byrd Barr Place's Community Connector program is for people who need resources beyond what the organization provides directly. A Community Connector staff member can conduct a needs assessment, identify what services may be available, and help with completing applications.
The program makes referrals in a range of areas including rental and move-in assistance, transportation, childcare, job readiness and employment services, and health care. If you are facing a need that Byrd Barr Place's direct programs don't address, the Community Connector is the right starting point as well as our primary Seattle rental assistance program directory.
Financial Empowerment resources
Byrd Barr Place offers online Financial Empowerment resources covering budgeting, saving, and credit fundamentals. These were developed in partnership with College Money Habits and are available at no cost through byrdbarrplace.org. Topics include creating a personal budget, understanding discretionary income, building emergency savings, and managing and improving credit - see our credit repair guide. For someone who has stabilized their immediate crisis and is looking to build longer-term financial health, these resources are a practical next step.
How to get started
For families and individuals in the Central District and broader Seattle area who are navigating housing instability, high energy costs, or food access challenges, Byrd Barr Place is one of the most established and trusted resources in the region.
Visit byrdbarrplace.org to apply for energy assistance, find current Market hours, or submit a Community Connector service request. The main office at 722 18th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122is open Monday through Friday during general business hours. Call 206-812-4940 for questions about any program or to ask about home food delivery. For energy assistance specifically, email [email protected].
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