Frontier Behavioral Health, Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, and Pioneer Human Services Receive Supportive Housing Grant
Spokane, Washington – Aug. 2, 2021 – A Federal District Court Judge has awarded a $6,877,823 grant to Frontier Behavioral Health (FBH), Catholic Charities Eastern Washington (CCEW), and Pioneer Human Services (Pioneer) to provide housing and behavioral healthcare services to at-risk adults.
As the lead entity, FBH will ensure tenants meet eligibility requirements outlined by the grant. CCEW and Pioneer, both statewide leaders in providing permanent supportive housing, will manage and staff the apartment units with onsite case managers and other resources.
Under the proposal, Pioneer will immediately provide 10-single-room occupancy (SRO) units or family-sized rooms and an onsite case manager to help residents obtain treatment and other resources.
Karen Lee, CEO of Pioneer Human Services, said, “We are so grateful to be a part of this grant and to have the opportunity to provide permanent supportive housing services for at-risk adults. Partnering with Frontier Behavioral Health and Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, we will work together to assess each resident’s individual needs and ensure they get the support they need to guide them along the path toward living healthy and productive lives.”
CCEW will provide 24 studio and one-bedroom units as part of a larger affordable housing community near Spokane Falls Community College, which is funded by long-term contracts for project-based rental assistance. CCEW case managers will be assigned to assist residents with their rental obligations, therapy resources, transportation, legal assistance, and other services.
“This housing will provide more than just a place to live for its residents. Through our partnership with Frontier Behavioral Health we will provide a supportive, safe environment for residents to transform their lives,” said Jonathan Mallahan, vice president of housing at CCEW.
Funding for the grant comes from the 2018 settlement of Trueblood vs. Department of Social and Health Services, which challenged unconstitutional delays in competency evaluations and restoration services for people detained in jails. Since the settlement, the state has been disbursing more than $80 million in contempt sanctions to fund community diversion programs statewide.
The housing grant is part of Phase IV of the Trueblood Diversion Plan. A total of $22 million in housing grants was awarded throughout the state.
Eastern Washington is the only region in the state in which one provider – FBH – has all of the Trueblood contracts, which are designed to leverage the services of multiple agencies and systems of care to prevent overuse of intensive resources such as state psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms and jails.
“This grant will help fill a significant gap in meeting the needs of those we serve who have been involved in the criminal justice system, as many of those individuals are unstably housed or homeless,” said FBH Chief Executive Officer Jeff Thomas. “We are very fortunate to be able to partner with CCEW and Pioneer who have such tremendous experience and expertise in providing housing resources for our community’s most vulnerable citizens.”
About Frontier Behavioral Health
Frontier Behavioral Health is a mission-driven, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the largest provider of behavioral healthcare services in Eastern Washington, serving more than 7,000 adults and youth each month – about 5,000 of whom are enrolled in outpatient programs. As the region’s lead provider of crisis services, FBH provides clinically and culturally appropriate behavioral healthcare and related services to people of all ages in collaboration with community partners.
About Catholic Charities Eastern Washington
Catholic Charities Eastern Washington affirms the dignity of every person, partnering with parishes and the greater community to serve and advocate for those who are vulnerable, bringing stability and hope to people throughout Eastern Washington.
About Pioneer Human Services
Pioneer Human Services is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides justice-involved individuals an array of treatment, housing and employment services to help their transition into a healthy, productive life. The organization currently has 50 programs across Washington with nine of the programs located in Spokane.
FOR INFORMATION
Carla T. Savalli
Public Information Officer
Frontier Behavioral Health
509.838.4651 | 509.342.8567
[email protected]
Sarah Yerden
Director, Marketing & Communications
Catholic Charities Eastern Washington
509.455.3039 | 509.438.1198
[email protected]
Nanette Sorich
Communications Manager
Pioneer Human Services
206.766.7034
[email protected]
