Welcome to the Bridge

By NorthStar Advocates

SHB 1929 Bridge Housing Programs are OFFICIALLY Open!

The SHB 1929 Bridge Housing programs provide safe, supportive, recovery-focused housing for young adults experiencing UNACCOMPANIED homelessness transitioning from inpatient behavioral facilities back to their communities.

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HPDF One Pager

Between May 2023 to May 2024 the HPDF served: 611 young people served for less than $2,700.00 one-time support with over 90% stably housed one year later

Quick Facts

our program focus areas

The Bridge Coalition

Collaborative Leadership: Bringing together stakeholders, individuals with lived experience, state organizations, tribes, and youth to lead the development of trainings, education, agency spotlights, and collective efforts. The Coalition is dedicated to preventing young people from being discharged into homelessness after completing residential inpatient programs.

L.E.A.P

 The Bridge, under NorthStar Advocates, is preparing to launch the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), comprised of individuals with both lived and professional experiences. This initiative aims to strengthen and lead the creation of a more culturally and developmentally responsive Behavioral Health System, guided by those with lived and professional expertise.

The Bridge Housing

Policy, Development, and Implementation of HB 1929: Responsible for shaping policy, development, and the implementation of two 6-10 bed 90-day residential programs in Eastern and Western Washington. The Bridge Housing programs focus on effectively transitioning young adults from inpatient care back into their communities, ensuring a supportive and stable reintegration process.

Bridge Housing Providers

Apply Here

Kirkland, WA

Friends Of Youth

Bridge Pointe is more than just a place to stay. It is a safe and supportive home for young adults (ages 18–24) who are moving forward after inpatient behavioral health treatment. Located in Kirkland, WA, Bridge Pointe offers short-term, voluntary housing for up to 90 days. Bridge Pointe is designed to support young adults in rebuilding wellness and independence.

Apply Here

Spokane, WA

Excelsior

Bridge is a 90-day transitional housing program designed to support young adults as they move from inpatient or residential treatment back into the community. With individualized support and short-term housing, Bridge helps reduce the risk of facing unaccompanied homelessness and empowers young people to chart their own path toward stability, wellness, and independence.

Calendar

Stay Up-To Date On Coalition Meetings & Events

 Explore our calendar for easy access to all NorthStar Advocates’ key meetings, including The Bridge Coalition and Youth & Legislative Advocacy initiatives. Click on the provided Zoom links to stay connected and get involved

Full Calendar

Bridge Coalition Meeting

4th Tuesday of every month from:

1:00-2:30 PM PST

Event Info + Meeting Link

The Bridge Coalition is a collaborative initiative aimed at preventing the discharge of youth and young adults from behavioral health inpatient facilities into homelessness. It focuses on enhancing cross-system involvement through trainings and statewide agency spotlights to ensure comprehensive support for vulnerable individuals. Click Here To Enter Meeting

Meeting Link

Steering Committee

3rd Tuesday of every month from:

1:00-2:00 PM PST

Event Info + Meeting Link
The Bridge Steering Committee serves as a platform for NorthStar Advocates and young individuals with lived experiences to collaboratively shape agendas and topics for the broader Bridge Coalition meetings, fostering a youth-driven approach to address behavioral health challenges and homelessness prevention.
Meeting Link

Youth Advisory

To Be Determined

Time & Date coming soon.

Event Info + Meeting Link
The Youth Advisory Committee is a pivotal assembly of individuals with lived experiences dedicated to strategizing and elevating Youth Advisory Boards statewide. By actively involving lived experiences, this committee plays a central role in shaping the direction of NorthStar, ensuring a comprehensive and authentic approach to addressing the needs of the youth community.
Meeting Link

Bridge Coalition Trainings

Discover The Bridge Coalition Trainings – insightful sessions led by individuals with lived experience, professionals, and organizations. These trainings focus on enhancing shared knowledge about crucial topics to support youth and young adults transitioning from behavioral health inpatient programs. The goal is to create a safe and stable environment, preventing homelessness and fostering a brighter future. Join us in building understanding and resilience through these impactful sessions.

Facing Fentanyl

A NorthStar Advocates training created for services providers to help address the fentanyl crisis in WA State. The training was presented to the Bridge Coalition, a meeting run by NorthStar Advocates.

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Kids Mental Health Washington

On 8-22- 2023 Kids Mental Health Washington conducted a training for the Bridge Coalition.

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Integrated Manage Care

Scott Swan a representative from Molina provides an overview regarding Washington States Integrated Manage Care for the Bridge Coalition Meeting on 10-24-2023 to The Bridge Coalition.

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HCA - System of Care

The Health Care Authority presents on System of Care at The Bridge Coalition Meeting on 03-28-2023.

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Return To Community

Jim Theofelis covers the purpose and scope for The Bridge Coalition and describes NorthStar Advocates concept of Return To Community.

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See More Trainings

Articles & Updates

Explore The NorthStar Advocates Blog for real stories from people with lived experience, agency highlights, and important updates from NorthStar Advocates. 

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