Meeting Notes: Bridge Coalition Meeting on July 23rd
Opening Comments (Jim):
- Formal Introductions were done,
- Focusing on return to community: safe housing, relationships, and supporting young adults facing unaccompanied homelessness interests and passions,
- A quick comment on Jim’s appreciation and excitement for the collective efforts of the group, noting that we are closer than ever to ensuring young people have access to the Bridge Housing Programs.
The Bridge Scope and Vision (Vy):
- 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.
Evergreen Bright Start Presentation: By Jill Stanton and Abby Stevenson- On July 23rd, the Bridge Coalition meeting featured a compelling presentation on the Evergreen Bright Start initiative, a transformative project poised to significantly impact Kitsap County. This innovative 30-unit apartment complex is designed to provide essential housing and comprehensive support services for young adults aged 18-24, a group that faces unique challenges in an area where housing costs are among the highest in Washington State. Jill Stanton, CPA, Executive Director of Bremerton Housing Authority, and Abby Stevenson, LICSW, Senior Director of Child and Family Services at Kitsap Mental Health Services, led the presentation. Jill emphasized the critical need for this project, given that Kitsap County is the second most expensive place to live in the state. The initiative underscores the importance of affordable housing and a supportive environment tailored to the needs of young adults navigating significant life transitions.
Strategic Approach and Community Collaboration:Evergreen Bright Start is driven by a strategic mindset that emphasizes collaboration and innovation. Jill and Abby outlined the project’s focus on four key principles: leading with equity, being data-driven, prioritizing customer experience, and fostering collaboration at all levels. This approach has led to the formation of strong community partnerships, essential for addressing the entire continuum of care for housing and support services.
Onsite Services and Program Integration:The project is distinguished by its focus on providing onsite services, including mental healthcare, outpatient health services, employment assistance, educational opportunities, and life skills training. These services are designed to meet the diverse needs of young adults who may be experiencing homelessness, exiting foster care, or dealing with the aftermath of traumatic life events.An integral part of the Evergreen Bright Start initiative is the incorporation of the existing Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program. The FYI program, which provides rental assistance vouchers and case management for youth aging out of foster care, has been a successful model in Kitsap County. By building on this proven infrastructure, Evergreen Bright Start will leverage FYI vouchers to support its residents, ensuring continuity of care and providing a robust framework for financial and housing stability. The synergy between the FYI program and Evergreen Bright Start enhances the overall support network available to young adults, combining housing with comprehensive, tailored services.
Funding and Collaboration:The development of Evergreen Bright Start involved extensive collaboration among various agencies. Bremerton Housing Authority, Kitsap Mental Health Services, Coffee Oasis, Scarlet Road, Olive Crest, the Olympic Educational Service District, and other key organizations came together with a shared commitment to the project’s success. From the very beginning, these organizations decided to work collaboratively rather than competing for funds. They jointly fundraised and agreed to fund each organization’s specialty areas, ensuring that each partner could contribute their expertise without vying against one another. Securing funding was a major milestone for the project. Through this collaborative approach, the team successfully raised $10.5 million. This included $6.5 million from the Housing Trust Fund grant and $4 million from local and philanthropic funds. The innovative funding model allowed the project to proceed without incurring debt, ensuring sustainable operations through voucher-supported funding.
Community Response and Project Impact: The community’s response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. The narrative of hope and community safety resonated widely, leading to enthusiastic support and significant donations from local residents. This widespread backing highlights the community’s commitment to empowering young adults and creating a positive impact. Evergreen Bright Start is scheduled to open its doors in early 2025. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kitsap County’s young adults, providing them with the stable housing and comprehensive support they need to thrive.
Bridge Return To Community Survey with Whatcom County YAB: Presentation by Sarah Spier- On July 23rd, Sarah Spier presented the findings of a survey conducted by NorthStar Advocates in collaboration with the Whatcom County Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The survey aimed to gain insights into the challenges and needs of young people navigating the behavioral health system. The goal of the survey was to collect lived experience voices and insights that will inform the design and implementation of the Bridge Housing Programs. This data will also guide the development of the Request for Proposals (RFP) with the Health Care Authority and aid in selecting the providers who will operate the programs.
Participants:
- Number of Respondents: 12
- Demographics:
- Age Range: 17-24
- Pronouns: He/Him, She/Her, She/They, He/They
- Occupations: Students, Outreach Interns, Event & Media Production, etc.
- Lived Experience: The majority of respondents reported having lived experience with behavioral health issues.
- Location: Predominantly from Whatcom County and Bellingham, WA
Summary of Key Findings:
- Personal Experience: Barriers to Treatment:
- Common Challenges:
- Feeling unheard when seeking resources
- Stigmatization and lack of interest from providers
- Challenges with access to treatment, including transportation and waitlists
- Affordability issues for therapy and medications
- Post-treatment challenges such as homelessness, maintaining sobriety, and a lack of post-care resources
- Common Challenges:
- Clean and Sober Environment & Terminology:
- Importance of Clean and Sober Environment:
- Strongly Agree: 33%
- Agree: 25%
- Neutral: 33%
- Disagree: 8%
- Strongly Disagree: 0%
- Offensiveness of Clean & Sober Terminology:
- Strongly Agree: 8%
- Agree: 17%
- Neutral: 42%
- Disagree: 33%
- Strongly Disagree: 0%
- Importance of Clean and Sober Environment:
- Reasons for Early Exits:
- Early Exits for Relapsing While In Program:
- Strongly Agree: 0%
- Agree: 0%
- Neutral: 33%
- Disagree: 42%
- Strongly Disagree: 25%
- Top Reasons for Early Exits:
- Aggressive behavior
- Bringing drugs into the facility
- Violence or harm to others
- Repeated disrespect to staff
- Early Exits for Relapsing While In Program:
- Beneficial Services for Young Adults in the Housing Program:
- Key Services Identified Per House bill To Be Provided:
- Peer Support
- Behavioral Health Support
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Housing Support
- Flexible Funding Opportunities
- Additional Suggested Services:
- Transportation
- Mentors and trusted adults
- Free food programs and education assistance
- Case managers and trained staff for mental health support
- Key Services Identified Per House bill To Be Provided:
- Areas for Success in Return to Community Plan:
- Critical Elements:
- Exposure therapy and helping individuals feel comfortable in their homes
- Access to libraries, schools, sports, art, and creative outlets
- Financial help and food support
- Long term housing
- Strong support systems, including deep-rooted community connections
- Critical Elements:
In summary, the survey provided valuable insights into the barriers and needs faced by young people. The findings will play a crucial role in shaping the Bridge Housing Programs, serving as a guide for the RFP process with the Health Care Authority, and assisting in the selection of providers who will manage the programs in alignment with the feedback gathered from young people with lived experience.
Community Updates:
- No community updates, but Jim thanked the NorthStar Advocates team for all their work and dedication.
Closing Comments:
- Jim thanked everyone for their support and participation in this work.
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