WAGAP supports behavioral health clients in finding housing
Partnerships with landlords build stronger communities
By Tammy Kaufman,
Bingen, WA, February 21, 2024 — What happens when people are treated for mental health conditions and then discharged but have no place to call home? In Skamania and Klickitat counties, the Community Behavioral Health Rental Assistance Program (CBRA) is in place to help people transition from care facilities back to their communities.
CBRA is part of the Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) housing department. It is one of several housing options helping low-income individuals and families stabilize their living situation.
Amber Youtsey, program coordinator, says CBRA is part of a larger support system within the WAGAP network. “If someone is coming out of a mental health facility and needs help, I would recommend they come talk to someone at WAGAP,” she said.
Youtsey explained that the housing department coordinates with Pathways Health Connect, food banks, and other programs that can link people in need to care coordination, food, clothing, and other resources that are key to their long-term success.
Clients are then referred to Youtsey in very specific circumstances. They have been discharged from psychiatric hospitals or inpatient facilities within the past 12 months, and their household income is at or below 50% of the area median income.
These clients have documented behavioral health conditions, are eligible for long-term support services, and have a documented need for housing subsidy with no other resource that can meet their needs. Most have no family safety nets and are on their own.
While it sounds dire, Youtsey says it’s doable. “We work with landlords and explain our program to get folks into housing,” she said. She added that the comprehensive approach works. Client health information is confidential, but landlords appreciate that clients are checked on regularly and the program is very stable. CBRA requires clients to be annually certified for eligibility. Otherwise, their rental funding remains intact.
Communicating weekly with clients to ensure things are going smoothly is part of Youtsey’s role. It helps her know if the housing situation works well and allows her to keep up with utilities to ensure the rental functions.
“Having behavioral issues often makes people feel like they can’t find housing,” Youtsey said. With the support of the housing team, the CBRA program, and WAGAP services, she said they can help them overcome hurdles that seem too big.
She celebrates the successes and shares that she was able to help a family who had been looking for a place to live for 18 months. “The program really stepped up to secure her housing,” she said. “It can also help with security deposits and other reimbursements and help connect clients with energy assistance.”
The Washington Department of Commerce operates the CBRA grant program locally through Carelon Behavioral Health. At WAGAP, the CBRA is currently at capacity, but Youtsey hopes more program funding will come in the next fiscal year. Until then, the housing department does its best to fit those clients into other housing programs.
Landlords are encouraged to contact WAGAP if they are interested in providing rentals for various housing programs. Incentives are available for clean, safe units supporting low-income community members. Youtsey said the team works hard to maintain good relationships with open lines of communication and appreciates participating property owners. Inquiries about how landlords can participate should be emailed to info@wagap.org.
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