Northstar Advocates

NorthStar Advocates had a highly successful year with several significant achievements on behalf of the young people, families and communities we serve. NorthStar Advocates has been instrumental in the state of Washington towards elevating the issue of providing safe housing and follow up support to young adults exiting inpatient behavioral health treatment. Inpatient behavioral health treatment is a proven strategy for young people experiencing homelessness to exit homelessness and reconnect with community, family and the creation of a healthy future. NorthStar Advocates has elevated this need on the agenda of several coalitions and work groups focused on preventing and ending youth and young adult homelessness. Additionally, NorthStar Advocates has developed and facilitated the Bridge Coalition, a state wide Coalition comprised of inpatient behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use disorder) providers, community based organizations that serve young people experiencing homelessness, outpatient mental health/SUD counselors, civil legal aid providers, insurance companies, young people with lived experience and others. The Bridge Coalition meets monthly and consists of cross-system networking, training(s) and discussion related to system gaps related to serving young people exiting homelessness through inpatient treatment. NorthStar Advocates has expanded the awareness and resources for young people, families and communities striving to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness.