Seattle

Seattle is a rainy, hilly city built on tech wealth but with deep inequality—known for its coffee culture and views of Puget Sound, yet the streets tell a harder story. The median household income here is around $116,000, which makes the cost of living brutal if you're without a steady place to stay. In 2024, King County's annual point-in-time count recorded 16,385 people experiencing homelessness on a single night, a number officials say is likely an undercount. Organizations like Mary's Place, DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center), and Union Gospel Mission are here, working every day to provide shelter, meals, and support. You're not alone in this city, and many people have walked these same blocks before you. Keep your head up—one step at a time.