Lew Middleton Drop-In Center

216 James Street Seattle, WA 98104

The Lew Middleton Drop-In Center was started by Washington state’s longest standing Certified Peer Counselor, Lew Middleton Jr. Since 1994, the center is and continuously aims to be a safe space for an incredibly special and diverse population. The center is staffed and operated by a team of Certified Peer Specialists, who come with lived experience and receive intensive training in order to best serve the community and provide recovery-oriented services.

The Lew Middleton Drop-In Center is open to all DESC clients who are enrolled in a mental health or clinical program at DESC. Clients prioritized for support are those working to transition into stable housing—people who are unhoused or unsheltered. Services are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Our goal is to provide whole health services that are client-centered and building blocks to recovery.

While on-site, clients can get a warm meal, access to laundry, shower and hygiene services, rest, address their basic first aid needs and connect with their clinical team. We host recovery groups, engagement and community activities, have volunteer opportunities for clients and community members and monthly outings.

Certified Peer Counselors at the Lew Middleton Drop-In

The Peer Counselors at the Lew Middleton Drop-In Center partner with a client’s clinical care team to develop recovery goals that reflect a client’s interests. Often, they assist in managing activities of daily living, explore harm reduction techniques, contribute to wellness and support plans. Peer Specialists have the opportunity to draw upon their own experiences to help others find hope and make progress. Because of the Peers’ personal life experience, they are uniquely equipped to provide support, encouragement and resources to those seeking our services.

Peers work one-on–one with clients for clinical support, and host recovery groups, outings and DESC’s Consumer Advisory Board.