Supportive Housing and Mental Health Court Provide Path to Healthy Living

We are happy to share a story on Nate, one of our City Gate Apartments residents. Nate was initially referred into City Gate through the Whatcom County Mental Health Court. The therapeutic court program is designed to provide wraparound support and intervene when someone’s mental health challenges have brought them into the judicial system. The program seeks to promote engagement in mental health care, recovery and wellness to both prevent future involvement in the judicial system and build capacity for healthy, independent living.

City Gate Apartments are designated for individuals that have been involved in the criminal justice system and are otherwise homeless in Whatcom County. Residents need to commit to a specific case management plan to maintain housing and improve their quality of life. Services provided are supported in partnership with the Whatcom County Health Department.

Jaclyn Johnson, case manager, said, “I am a case manager at City Gate Apartments in Bellingham and the entire staff is very proud of Nate! In April of 2024, Nate graduated from Mental Health Court programming after engaging in the program with determination and hard work. Nate fully participated in mental health treatment, volunteering and giving back to the community, and maintaining sobriety consistently for about two years now. It has been such a rewarding experience to witness Nate’s success.” 

Nate had a history of struggling with his mental health and a substance use disorder, and he had altercations with the law. When he was referred into City Gate, he was already participating in the Mental Health Court program but needed housing. Upon entry, Nate was committed to an individual reentry program and actively participating in his recovery.

Supplemental case management is provided to residents by City Gate staff and Jaclyn shared that once a week staff went over Nate’s goal with him to help him keep on track. City Gate staff worked with Nate on the goals he set for himself and on the steps needed to reach each one. 

Nate engaged in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for his substance use disorder and got involved with support groups. He worked closely with his substance use and mental health counselors to move forward on his recovery journey and his peer support became an instrumental addition. As Nate participated in the program, he absorbed the counseling and treatment training and started openly communicating and sharing his thoughts with the behavioral health staff that was trying to help him reach his goals.

In the community, Nate volunteered at the Bellingham Food Bank trucks, We Care second hand clothing, and at the Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club making lunches for their annual fundraiser. His positive actions and dedication to his counseling and treatment programs, and support groups, have all been key components to his positive outlook and sobriety.

Pam Kahn, mental health clinician, stated, “It was so great to see how Nate’s family supported him. Now that he has graduated from the program, he is in a position to return the support with the tools he learned to any of his family members in need. As a clinician, watching a client practice what is shared and be able to see the behavioral improvement is a happy experience,”

Pioneer staff is currently working with Nate on securing an independent living situation as that is the next goal he is working toward.