Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC)

Desc is dedicated to serving people experiencing homelessness and is a state licensed provider of behavioral healthcare treatment for people with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Integrated mental health, substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders treatment is available in desc's shelters, is interwoven into its supportive housing programs, and is available through stand-alone programs at desc's clinical offices or elsewhere in the community. In 2022, desc's clinical programs served 5,919 people.

Real estate development: desc develops and operates subsidized supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness with disabilities.

In 2022, desc operated 1,347 permanent supportive housing apartments in fourteen project based programs ranging from 40 units to 190 units, all of which feature 24/7 onsite support staff and integrated clinical services. Desc also manages, subsidizes and services 56 master-leased market rate "scattered site" housing units with intensive case management and other support services as needed. Another 250+ clients are supported with case management and rent subsidies controlled by desc. Desc's units house individuals coming from homelessness, all of whom have special needs including mental illness, physical disability, and involvement with the criminal justice system and/or substance use problems. Desc provides a range of supportive services to help residents remain stably housed. Social Service programs are funded by a combination of city, county, state and federal grants, as well as by private fundraising.