Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is a local partner setting a strong example of what it means to be a “recovery hero”. By opening the doors to their newest facility, 72 community members experiencing chronic homelessness and have a diagnosed behavioral health need will be able to call Pendleton Place “home”. Pendleton Place is the first major permanent supportive housing facility.
KMHS made sure to implement this project with a human-centered approach. They thought through little details like having beautiful hand-quilted bedspreads for each bed (courtesy of the Kitsap Quilters Guild), ensuring that appliances have safety features, and incorporating on-site medical resources through a partnership with Peninsula Community Health Services. These intentional efforts have led to creating a home that not only feels dignified and comfortable, but also provides resources to support each resident’s well-being and recovery journeys.
All 72 units are scheduled to be filled in the coming weeks. Residents represent diverse backgrounds and life experiences; ages range from 20-72 years old. By creating supportive housing options that are beautiful, accessible, and designed intentionally to promote healthy and thriving lifestyles, community members experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges can begin to prioritize their health.
Bridget Glasspoole, Housing and Community Services Director shared, “Access to housing has long been identified as a key social determinant of health, given the that once someone is stably housed, they are far more likely to access support services including primary care, and behavioral healthcare.” KMHS staff go above and beyond to address other determinants of health, as they will provide tenancy supports including life skills to all residents.
“For me the most exciting part is the clients. I used to work at the Housing Solutions Center, coordinated entry in Kitsap County and lots of the residents that will be moving into Pendleton Place were my clients while working there. They have been homeless for years and some decades. To see the excitement from them that they will finally have a home is the most amazing thing,” shared Bridget.
OCH would like to extend a warm congratulations to KMHS on the launch of this important project. Thank you for all you do to support the community, and continue to shine as an example of what it means to be a “recovery hero”.
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