Respite
Inherent value
The Respite Program best embodies Advocates’ mission and distinctives in action. And it’s paying dividends in brighter futures.
The program
Snohomish County Human Rights Commission’s 2021 Transformational Leader Award Winner, Respite provides evidenced-based, housing first, wraparound care for Snohomish County’s most vulnerable.
Respite provides the best evidence of Advocates’ competitive advantage. Everything our staff at Respite does is soaked in our mission and distinctives. And our staff are uniquely situated to deliver those services with expertise and profound empathy.
The Respite Program serves between 25 to 40 chronically homeless clients at a given time. To date, Respite outperforms state averages by nearly 30% in securing permanent housing for clients all-time, and by close to 50% since 2022. Respite secures substance use disorder and mental health treatment for an astounding 68% and 100% of clients, respectively.
*2023 data.
The details
Definitive proof of Advocates’ competitive advantage, Respite is partnering to build brighter, independent, and sustainable futures. Led by Advocates Recovery’s 2021 Director of the Year, Esther Riley, and home to what is likely the largest staff of CCAR Certified Recovery Professionals and Peer Certified Counselors in a low-barrier setting, Respite’s success is quantifiable and staggering:
·· Nearly all of the clients at Respite have been homeless for over one year. Over the span of the program’s two year history, over 80% of the individuals have been homeless for at least a decade.
What it means: Respite is reaching Snohomish County’s “unreachable.” Individuals who have spent a decade or more living in the streets, alleys, and public parks.
·· Since 2022, Respite has partnered with 43% of its exiting clients to secure permanent housing. In 2023, 68% of exits have been to permanent housing. The state average for emergency shelters across Washington State is 17%.
What it means: Respite outperforms state averages in every meaningful metric measuring breaking the cyclical nature of homelessness.
·· While typical low barrier shelters do not emphasize substance use disorder treatment, Respite’s competitive advantage has propelled 61% of clients to secure substance use disorder treatment.
What it means: Respite’s mission and distinctive informed delivery of services by staff with the expertise to navigate and the empathy to partner produces tangible and measurable success.
·· Respite works closely community partners in getting the children in our program re-enrolled in school, providing tutoring, clothing, food, and other resources aimed at minimizing barriers for these children’s bright future.
What it means: Respite remains intimate enough to adapt and mold services to specific clients’ needs, while having the resources to affect real change in these kids’ lives.
·· With onsite mental health providers since early 2023, 100% of clients needing the crucial yet elusive mental health treatment services have received those services.
What it means: Respite’s services are calibrated to remove core barriers to wellness, wholeness, and peace.
Since July 2021, our Respite Program has become the gold-standard in shelter and wraparound care. If you are interested in hearing more about the Respite Program or becoming a partner, please contact our Respite Program Director.
