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HEART Program

The Homeless Encampment Action, Response, and Transitions (HEART) Program responds to homeless camps on Kitsap County property. The goal is to help people living outdoors in camps or vehicles to find shelter, housing, and services, instead of moving from place to place.

Kitsap County Department of Human Services, Homeless Housing Division - Last reviewed October 2026

Need shelter or housing help?

The Housing Solutions Center (HSC) is the entry point for shelter and housing services in Kitsap County. Find the contact information for the HSC and other help on the Housing and Community Resources page.​​​​

Report an encampment

 On county property

Contact Kitsap1, the County's customer service center. Kitsap1 sends your report to the HEART Coordinator.

Online: Report an encampment to Kitsap1

Phone: 360-337-5777

Email: help@kitsap1.com

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed weekends and holidays.

App: You can also report through the SeeClickFix app. The Kitsap1 reporting page has details.

 On private property

The HEART Program only responds to camps on county property. 

For a camp on private property:

Go to the Kitsap Public Health District's report a concern page (external link). Choose "Report a public health concern" and complete the form. A Health District inspector will visit the site.

For help from law enforcement, call 9-1-1.​​​​​​​

Encampment response process

After Kitsap1 sends the report, the HEART Coordinator will:

  1. 1.  Contact you to learn more about the camp or situation.
  2. 2.  Check who owns the property.
  3. 3.  Visit the camp if it is on county property.
  4. 4. Assess the camp and write a report.
  5. 5.  Share the report with the HEART Advisory Team, who decide the next steps.

Download the Reporting Encampments Handout (PDF) (updated 9/26/2022) for more detailed information.​​​

How HEART works

Launched in April 2022, the HEART Program follows a homeless encampment response policy that the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved in 2021. The policy makes sure the County's response is consistent, coordinated, compassionate, and focused on the people we serve.

Read the 2021 Homeless Encampment Response Policy (PDF).​

Reports and news

Frequently asked questions

 What does the HEART Coordinator do?

The HEART Coordinator organizes Kitsap County encampment response efforts by leading a team that connects people experiencing homelessness with housing resources and support services. The team does outreach in the field with other Kitsap County departments, community partner organizations, and Kitsap Community Resources' Housing Solutions Center (external link). The HEART advisory team supports this work.

 Who is on the HEART Advisory Team?

The HEART Advisory Team is made up of representatives of county departments that interact with encampments and representatives from nonprofit organizations that provide resources to people living in encampments.

 How long does it take to close an encampment?

Closing a camp can take a few months. Closing a camp means the people living there move out and the site is cleaned up. Our goal is for people to move into shelter or housing. The County must follow many legal rules when it responds to camps on public property. Timing also depends on:
  • How many people live in the camp
  • Where the camp is located
  • Safety and health concerns
  • How many other camps HEART is working with at the same time

 How can I get involved?

Learn ways to help. Read How To Help People Living Homeless (PDF) for ways to support local organizations and services.

Volunteer at Severe Weather Shelters. Shelters run November 1 through March 31 each year. Learn about Severe Weather Shelters and sign up to volunteer.

Volunteer for the Point-in-Time Count. Each year at the end of January, volunteers survey people experiencing homelessness at locations throughout the county, including resource fairs and local food banks. Learn about the Point-in-Time Count and how to volunteer​.​

Quick links

Contact
Questions about the HEART Program? Contact Derrick Means, HEART Coordinator, by calling Kitsap1 at 360-337-5777 or emailing help@kitsap1.com.

For media inquiries and program updates, contact Carl Borg, Program Manager, at ceborg@kitsap.gov.