First year at Donna Jeans Place, a Capitol Hill shelter where time is the most important resource

Benev Brandt, a 60-year-old woman, describes Donna Jean’s Place as her best shelter experience after facing homelessness in Seattle multiple times. The women’s emergency shelter, created through a partnership between Operation Nightwatch and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, has supported over 230 women since its early 2025 opening. Deacon Frank DiGirolamo highlights that the shelter provides 7,000 nights of safe accommodation each year, emphasizing its significance in protecting women from harassment and assault. Brandt values the community atmosphere, noting staff familiarity and personal connections that contribute to a sense of stability.

After three months at Donna Jean’s, she qualified for senior living, which she credits to the support received at the shelter. The shelter’s focus on teamwork and peace distinguishes it from others, meeting the unique needs of women experiencing homelessness. With over 16,000 people experiencing homelessness in Seattle, the shelter addresses a pressing social issue. Donna Jean’s Place exemplifies how targeted support can foster healing and stability among vulnerable populations.