NorthStar Advocates Featured in USICH’s Spotlight on Youth Homelessness
We are proud to share that NorthStar Advocates has been highlighted in the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) article), “Homelessness Prevention Series: Spotlight on Youth Homelessness.”. The article recognizes NorthStar Advocates work through the Bridge Return to Community Housing programs, currently in development, a result of SHB 1929.
Addressing Key Pathways into Youth Homelessness
The USICH article emphasizes that health and foster care systems are major pipelines into homelessness, especially for young adults. The article states:
“In addition to the foster-care system, health systems are also a major pipeline into homelessness for all ages. In Washington state, for instance, almost 80% of the young people who experience homelessness within a year of exiting any system of care came from inpatient treatment facilities for mental health and/or substance use disorders.”- USICH
Recognizing these challenges, SHB 1929 was passed unanimously, establishing the concept of Post-Inpatient Housing Programs for young adults facing homelessness with behavioral health needs. This initiative connects young adults with housing, substance use disorder and mental health support, peer support, and wraparound services for up to 90-days, designed to support their recovery and identify sustainable, long-term housing and behavioral health needs.
“At NorthStar Advocates, we believe that inpatient behavioral health treatment can be an offramp from homelessness and a return to the table of community—if young people are supported with safe housing, services, and strong social connections upon discharge.”- Jim Theofelis
Jim Theofelis, Founder and Executive Director of NorthStar Advocates is leading a transformative movement to build a more culturally and developmentally responsive system that addresses the unique needs of youth and young adults with behavioral health challenges. The creation of the Bridge Return to Community Housing Programs marks just the first step in a larger mission to reshape how communities support recovery, stability, and long-term success for future generations.
Working Together to End Youth Homelessness
NorthStar Advocates’ approach aligns with a growing national focus on building sustainable housing systems. Programs like Bridge Housing demonstrate that collaborative solutions—integrating behavioral health care, housing, and personal goal-setting—are essential for breaking cycles of homelessness.
Join Us in This Mission
We encourage you to explore the full USICH article here. At NorthStar Advocates, we remain committed to expanding initiatives like Bridge Return to Community Housing and helping young people access the support they deserve to not just survive but to thrive.
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