05/26/2026 Bridge Coalition Meeting Notes

by | Jun 12, 2026 | Bridge Coalition Meeting Notes | 0 comments

Bridge Coalition Meeting May 26th  

Opening Comments (Jim): 

  • Introductions via chat were done 
  • A broad overview of NorthStar Advocates Mission and purpose was discussed,
  • Focusing on return to community: safe housing, relationships, and supporting young adults facing unaccompanied homelessness interests and passions.

The Bridge Scope and Vision (Mayauna): 

  • High rate of return to homelessness for young people exiting inpatient care,
  • Cross-system information sharing and training,
  • Developing Return To Community Plan,
  • Developing opportunities for systems reform.
  • Introduced the Youth & Young Adult Behavioral Health Summit that NorthStar Advocates hosted with the Y4Y Board

SHB 1929 Bridge Housing Program Updates

Friends of Youth – Presenter: Blanca Gonzales, Program Manager

Blanca reported that three young adults are currently enrolled in the Bridge Pointe program, with additional beds available, including the new house with ADA accessibility. They highlighted the programs strong success connecting participants to housing opportunities through the coordinated entry system. A current focus of the program is ensuring young people are document-ready and prepared for housing referrals when opportunities become available. While housing placements are occurring quickly, they noted that some participants have expressed concerns about transitioning out of the program before they feel fully prepared. Blanca also reported that some young people enter the program with unresolved legal issues, including fines and other legal matters. When these situations arise, they work to connect participants with appropriate legal resources to help address those barriers.

Excelsior Wellness – Presenter: Dylan Ramirez, Program Manager

Dylan shared that there are five young adults currently enrolled in their Bridge Housing Program. They are continuing to strengthen referral pathways and community partnerships to increase program utilization and ensure young people are connected to housing and supportive services as quickly as possible.

Dylan highlighted some of their recent outcomes including:

  • Three participants are currently employed.
  • One participant secured employment almost immediately after entering the program.
  • Multiple participants are actively pursuing permanent housing opportunities, including housing vouchers and other housing resources.
  • Staff are supporting participants in exploring family reunification opportunities when appropriate.
  • Some participants are currently waiting for housing opportunities through coordinated entry.

Dylan also shared appreciation for the recent NorthStar Advocates full day training that was provided to new and existing staff. Feedback from the team members was positive.

Volunteers of America (VOA) Housing Programs Overview

Presented by Alexander Matisin, Housing Case Manager, and Luke Bishop, VOA Housing Director. VOA shared information on several housing programs serving young adults experiencing homelessness in Spokane.

  1. Transitional Housing Program (TLP)

Target Population: Young adults ages 18–24 who need additional stabilization and support before living independently.

Program Highlights:

  • Provides housing through VOA-owned units and partnerships with community landlords.
  • Participants sign a lease with VOA and receive ongoing case management support.
  • Initially structured around 3-month leases that convert to month-to-month.
  • Participants may remain in the program for up to approximately 18 months.
  • Designed for young adults with higher housing barriers, such as:
    • Criminal history
    • Prior evictions
    • Limited independent living experience
  • Weekly case management and individualized goal planning are required.
  • Single-adult housing only; families are referred to other housing resources.
  • VOA reported the program is currently at capacity.
  1. Rapid Rehousing (RRH)

Target Population: Young adults ages 18–24 who are ready to move into independent housing and assume a lease.

Program Highlights:

  • Participants lease housing directly from a landlord.
  • VOA assists with deposits and provides rental assistance that gradually decreases over time.
  • Rental assistance follows a step-down model:
    • Months 1–3: VOA pays 100%
    • Months 4–6: VOA pays 75%
    • Months 7–9: VOA pays 50%
    • Months 10–12: VOA pays 25%
  • Participants are expected to assume full responsibility for rent after one year.
  • Support is provided around:
    • Budgeting
    • Financial literacy
    • Employment stabilization
    • Landlord-tenant education
    • Independent living skills
  • Ongoing case management continues throughout the lease term.
  • VOA emphasized the importance of ensuring participants are prepared for independent housing before entering the program to reduce the risk of eviction and future housing barriers.
  1. Independent Youth Housing Program (IYHP)

Target Population: Young adults ages 18–25 who have experienced foster care in Washington State.

Eligibility:

  • Must have spent at least one night in Washington State foster care.
  • Includes youth who were in tribal foster care systems.
  • Housing eligibility is verified through DCYF records.

Program Highlights:

  • Participants lease housing independently.
  • Provides a longer-term housing subsidy than Rapid Rehousing.
  • Rental assistance decreases gradually by 10% every three months.
  • Participants can receive support beyond their initial lease term and may receive assistance relocating if needed.
  • Roommate and shared housing arrangements may be approved when appropriate.
  • Ongoing case management and housing stabilization services are required.
  • VOA reported that IYHP had reached capacity for the current funding cycle and expects new enrollments to resume with the next state fiscal year.

Additional VOA Housing Resources

Young Adult Shelter (YAS)

VOA also operates the Young Adult Shelter (YAS), a low-barrier emergency shelter for young adults ages 18 and older. Staff noted that many young adults entering VOA housing programs have previously utilized shelter services. The shelter experiences frequent turnover, creating ongoing opportunities for new admissions.

Crosswalk Youth Shelter

VOA’s Crosswalk Youth Shelter serves youth under age 18 and operates separately from the Young Adult Shelter.

Community Updates: 

  • No updates

Closing Comments:  

  • A reminder that the next meeting on June 23rd will feature Ryan Kent Executive Director of Spokane Treatment & Recovery (STARS)

Sarah Spier
Author: Sarah Spier