All right - I am writing this well after leaving this place, so no fear of retaliation. Phew. How did I end up homeless? Well, in short a city in Washington barred me from my own residence by issuing a no-contact order on me after someone in the home made a bogus police report against me. The nature of the bogus report warranted a no-contact order be issued - immediately I obtained 911 calls of the person actually trying to report me as 'trespassing' on their property, when I had a signed agreement with both of our signatures. The person stole my copy of the agreement we had and gone through my personal belongings to do so. When the operator refused to take the person seriously, asking "does she live there?" the person, a few days later, made a bogus call to law enforcement to have me 'removed.' Details to be spared here. Worst case scenario, even if I had been some nutjob who was a visitor and refused to leave - I had established domicile. Eviction is a process, so the bogus police report was much easier for the shoddy individual to do. And, sure enough it worked. Well, no due process for a bogus police report put me homeless immediately. I had slept in a car at times, but never visited a homeless shelter before. In my mind, I thought it would be like a youth hostel. Haha. Wishful thinking! Sophia Way is a human warehouse of 'cubicles' with beds. There are 20 some cubicles all in a row in the bottom of a church basement, and two doors to exit. The cubicles do not have doors windows. No doors = wake up, and there's another person staring right at you from across your cubicle as you undress! There is a space for your clothing to be hung up. Supposedly, one may have a curtain up for, about 20 minutes. You are disallowed to put up a 'curtain' for any longer period. When you sleep, staff walk by the 'cubicles' and take inventory on people, to make sure they are sleeping. Inventory? A five year old, or 7 year old, or someone actually in a jail cell has more freedom than what the staff offer at Sophia Way. Example: You aren't allowed to stay up in your bed and read past a certain time, and if you want to go outside for fresh air at say, 2:00 a.m. - you can't go out. When I had a long-term apartment (I'm well over age 30), I would get out of the apartment, and go for a walk, breathe in fresh air, or sit on a deck or porch what have you. Not here. If you are curious as to the standards for renting a room in a home, ehere they are: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=51-50-1208 - https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-150M-0550. So, if a cubicle at Sophia Way were a room to be rented in a house, it would fail the legal requirements set forth by the State of Washington. I hope you take some time to read these two links. There are so many 'rules' my brain cells hurt, and I am so glad to be free of Hell. Hell does exist, and it is at this illegal facility called Sophia Way. Oh, and how do you get there? No car = bus stops running at 7pm. City buses go all night 'till 2am. Don't try to use a bus in the suburbs of America, just do not even bother. When I was here, there was a female named Jamie (undeserving of the title 'woman' who worked here. She was constantly harassing me with little 'notes'. Here's the thing: The Eastside is a wealthy area. I tried to contact attorneys regarding the unjust nature of my situation, to have proper due process. None would take the case. So, you see? That's how you get trapped! The attorneys, at large, are more concerned with holding up a reputation of their firm, than human rights violations. In addition, to being warehoused at Sophia Way's illegal 'facility', I tried the 'mat program.' haha. They have these blue mats: https://www.glasgowcitymission.com/about-us/what-we-do/glasgow-winter-night-shelter.php. What a disgrace! Someone from their team literally stays up all night and watches people sleep. That's pretty gross. Would you like someone to come into your bedroom and stand over you for 8 hours, and watch you sleep? Can we say creepy? The night time place offered food, and it was often serviced by girl scouts earning a community service badge. Or, just a community member who knows absolutely nothing about homelessness. I mean, I had a life, was self-employed, work history prior, you know? I don't want to see some 8 year old right before my curfew or bedtime. Sophia Way is a mommy who gives adult females a bedtime. So, you better abide, or you will not be invited back. Also, is extremely narcissistic to have such public relations around people's suffering. Sometimes, Fraud Way would take photos of people's cubicles and upload it onto social media, like Facebook. Would you upload photos of your son or daughter's room and put them on a website for all to see? (perhaps, hypothetically speaking?) Just carelessness on their part. Lastly: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: https://www.landlordology.com/washington-landlord-tenant-laws/ (out of space) read more

This review is in regards to their Emergency Night Shelter which I do not recommend. I personally feel this place is not safe and is sleazy and seedy. The emergency night shelters happen at different location at different churches. I personally find in my opinion the emergency night shelter employees that are supposed to watch the patrons and the patrons themselves who sleep there at night to be sleazy and alarming. This shelter is not for people who are homeless and are not mentally ill, drug addicted or a current or former prostitute. Which is what most of the women at this shelter are. They allow men into the emergency night shelter locations. Yes, any man whom will dress as a women even if he is not trans gendered or if he is trans he can stay in there emergency night shelter. The employees who run the place at night go to deep sleep or at least pretend to! All I will say is this they should make sure to scan and look for people who would want to work there that are questionable themselves they should make sure to be cautious I would recommend to look out for people who would want to work there that are are possible thugs, former prostitutes, former women or current women pimps or people with criminal records. A woman could be stuck with a needle at night before being violated and no one would no the wiser. The women in here will also sneak in homeless men off the street and in the dark with no proper supervision imagine the scary situations??? There are alot of scary things that could be pointed out. But to make a long story short it is highly in my opinion not safe there are better shelters but they are in seattle. Such as city hall where police watch the floors and the ywca at least has staff that stays up at night. There is catholic community service woman shelter for people who can pay 5.00 at night which has less sleazy element and is a better option for the working poor. read more

The mentally ill woman goes by the name "Ashley." Summer of 2017, she had attacked a sleeping elderly woman in the Sophia's Way day center. The staff are opportunistic with donations of course. They have a lacadaisic attitude to people in need. Their job isn't to be mediators; their job is to run the facility and to provide whatever they want / feel the need to provide at the request of the people in need. The staff at Sophia's Way lack the soul of compassion or care as they have been working there for at least a year or more. Off subject about Ashley: Ashley would spend some days between Sophia's Way Day Center & Safe Parking @ Lake Washington United Methodist Church (as she was banned from some other day center for violent tendencies). In addition, she was warned to not make any contact with the children of a specific family several times by the mother & father residing @ said Safe Parking lot. Ignoring the warnings, Ashley began playing with their daughter. A verbal altercation ensued between the father & Ashley; then things escalated between her & the mother. The police was called late that evening. Ashley lashed out her claims that the father molested her along with his own children. Things did not settle down until around 1 or 2 am. The police wouldn't touch her. They were only there to escort her off the parking lot. She was categorized as 5150 by the father to the police. Later on that year, Ashley made claims that get and her boyfriend were going to adopt a 2-yr-old No one believed her because she didn't have a boyfriend & the state wouldn't hand over a child to a single homeless woman. March 2, 2018... She attempted to kidnap a 2-yr-old child from the Bridle Trails park in Kirkland Washington. She made the newspaper. read more

Gratitude for Nearly 2 Years of Growth and Skill Development As I approach the milestone of nearly two years with The Sophia Way, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and support I've received during my tenure. Since joining the team nearly two years ago, I've had the privilege of working alongside incredibly talented individuals and engaging in projects that have challenged and inspired me. The environment of collaboration and learning fostered here has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. During my time here, I've not only gained valuable experience but have also had the chance to develop and refine my skills in social skills, competences, knowledge and to better serve the community Whether it's through on-the-job learning, training sessions, or mentorship opportunities, I appreciate the investment that THE SOPHIA WAY and the team has made in my development. I am proud of the contributions I've made to our team and the progress I've achieved in honing my skills. I am committed to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute positively to our collective goals. I want to express my gratitude to each member of the team for their guidance, encouragement, and collaboration. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and I am excited about the journey ahead as we continue to strive for excellence. Thank you once again for the opportunity to be part of this dynamic team. I am eager to continue making meaningful contributions and furthering our shared success. This is an incredible organization. read more

As an employee of The Sophia Way, I can say with confidence that this organization truly cares about its clients and is dedicated to making a positive impact on their lives. I have had the privilege of working with a team of compassionate and hardworking individuals who are passionate about helping women experiencing homelessness. The Sophia Way provides a safe and welcoming environment for our clients, and offers a range of services to support them in their journey towards stability and independence. From emergency shelter to permanent housing, and from case management to job training, The Sophia Way offers a comprehensive set of resources to empower women to rebuild their lives. One of the things I appreciate most about working for The Sophia Way is the emphasis on treating clients with dignity and respect. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to create a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere, where women can feel valued and heard. Overall, I would highly recommend The Sophia Way to anyone looking for a fulfilling and meaningful career in the nonprofit sector. This organization is making a real difference in the lives of women in our community, and I feel grateful to be a part of that mission. read more

As an employee at The Sophia Way Women's Shelter, I couldn't be prouder to be part of such an incredible organization. This shelter truly stands as a beacon of hope and compassion in our community, providing vital support to women during their most challenging times. The first thing that strikes me about The Sophia Way is the warm and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment women step through the doors, they are greeted with kindness and empathy. Our priority is to ensure that every resident feels safe, respected, and cared for, and we work tirelessly to achieve this goal. The staff here are nothing short of amazing. Everyone, from the frontline workers to the administrative team, is deeply committed to the well-being of our residents. We take the time to listen to their stories, understand their needs, and tailor our services to best support them on their journey to independence. read more

I had the not so lucky time of staying there the anittiak lady that brought me in was so kind BUT ALEX and ALEX case managers case workers said no one ever after being trauma beyond belief before I got there seemed to make this place seem like a place of healing , my room had been checked head to toe weekly for any and all things I'm disabled just thought I'd mention that and I had mentioned to this young girl who was eating if of our community donations she might wanna wear glove she tore me up from head to toe called me every white artist slang combination she could I sat there froze no one came to my 60! year old rescue , then roughly 24 hrs later I was told my lease contract whaatever was over I was picked up 3 days later and brought to a much better place ,,, don't trust them they are bullies and as far from counselors this world has ever known read more

I can truly say this has been one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs I've ever had. I have grown so much as a person. Getting to connect with the community is so important to me and change happens one person at a time. You definitely get this experience at TSW. I've never felt so loved and appreciated at a job. You have the opportunity of a lifetime. Changing lives. Empowering. Experiences that money couldn't buy. read more

The Sophia Way has been working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for clients served. Human Services is a tough field but TSW prioritizes their employee's mental health while still protecting staff and clients alike. read more

A great place to work! I would recommend TSW to anyone looking for work in a non-profit. Lots of good changes in programs in the last couple of years. There are two shelters now, one still in Bellevue and one in Kirkland. read more

The Sophia Way is an incredible organization. Always striving to grow and better serve the community I'm so thankful for everyone I've met through TSW!!!! read more

Great values and services provided to the women.