Homelessness

Homelessness is a humanitarian crisis with many causes. These range from losing a job, losing a home, mental/behavorial health or substance abuse, domestic violence and more. The impact of homelessness is a growing challenge that presents its own issues in the broader community. Obtaining treatment for mental health or substance abuse can be difficult, finding housing for individuals is lengthy, and getting people off the streets can be a process. Below you will find questions, answers and resources for helping those who need it. 
 
What is the City doing to address homelessness?

In April 2017, the City of Monroe in partnership with Snohomish County, established a community outreach team comprised of Sergeant Ryan Irving and Social Worker Elisa Delgado. Twenty hours a week they focus their time on making contact with homeless people who are in need of services. The goal of the program is to consistently contact and engage people and to address their short and long term needs to assist them with getting off the street. Often this is accomplished by substance abuse treatment and clean and sober housing. This team also regularly responds to complaints and patrols problem areas associated with illegal camping. 

In 2017, the community outreach team assisted 84 people:

  • 23 of these people completed their chemical dependency assessments and several continued on to Intensive Outpatient Programs.
  • 6 people completed detox
  • 7 graduated from inpatient treatment
  • 7 people are now housed in clean and sober housing
  • 7 were referred to the YWCA housing program
  • 2 people received assistance with fares to travel to stay with their families. 
 2018 Monthly Community Outreach Activity:


January Activity

  • Completed chemical dependency assessments – 4
  • Entered Detox – 4 scheduled, 3 entered, one completed
  • Inpatient Treatment – 5 scheduled, 3 entered, one left early
  • One client provided a motel voucher for two nights, waiting for open bed in women’s mission

February Activity

  • Entered detox – One and has completed
  • Treatment – 2 entered, 2 others graduated
  • Medication Assisted Treatment – One started
  • Housed – 4 total
    • One through YWCA
    • One through Everett Housing Authority
    • Two in Clean and Sober housing

March Activity

  • 8 new people started engaging in services
  • Chemical Dependency evaluation – one completed
  • Inpatient Treatment – 2 entered
  • Medication Assisted Treatment – One started
  • Housed - One housed, One referred to YWCA
April Activity

  • Completed Substance Use Disorder assessments - 2 people
  • Completed detox - one person
  • ​Graduated from Inpatient Treatment - 2 people
  • Housed - 3 people
  • 7 new people engaging in services
  • Provided resources - 4 people
May Activity

  • ​Entered Inpatient Treatment - 2 people
  • Chemical Dependency assessment - 3 completed
  • Mental Health assessment - one completed
  • Treatment - one graduated
  • Clean and sober housing - one person
  • Medicated assisted treatment - one person
  • 2 new people engaging in services
June Activity

  • Completed Substance Use Disorder - 2 people
  • ​Entered detox - one person
  • Entered Inpatient Treatment - 2 people
  • Graduated Inpatient Treatment - one person
  • Housing locating - one person
  • Obtained identification - one person
  • Provided resources - 2 people
  • 6 new people engaging in services
  • One person celebrated their 1 year anniversary for sobriety
July Activity

  • Scheduled for Substance Use Disorder assessment - 3 people
  • Completed Substance Use disorder assessment - one person
  • Entered and completed Detox - 2 people
  • Entered Inpatient Treatment - 3 people
  • Offered resources - One person
  • 6 new people engaging in services

What should I do when I see an encampment?

The City of Monroe actively works to make contact with people in encampments, provide access to assistance, housing, and treatment options, and cleans up encampments. We work closely with property owners including the State, BNSF, and commercial and residential property owners.  Our Monroe Parks & Recreation Department monitors and cleans up City properties on a weekly basis. If you see an encampment call 911 or the non-emergency number at 425-407-3999.

Re​sources


Helpful resources 

Here are some common available resources. If you have other resources that could be added, please email pamb@monroewa.gov with the link and a brief description of services offered. 

211 - Health and human service information and referrals and other assistance to help individuals.

Beck's Place - Foster boarding that cares for pets while families access services that will allow them to achieve stability. 

Cocoon House - Non-profit outreach for homeless and at-risk youth in Snohomish County.

Housing Hope - Affordable housing including emergency shelter, transitional housing, affordable rent units, and home ownership opportunities. 

Monroe Women's Gospel Mission - Temporary emergency shelter serving the homeless population including but not limited to , releases from hospitals, crisis beds and inpatient treatment centers, domestic violence situations, and those living in situations not fit for human habitation.

Take the Next Step - Local community resource center for services and guidance to help meet the basic needs of people.

Snohomish County Health District Opioid Information - Information pertaining to opioids and clean needle exchange program.

Sky Valley Resource Guide - Handout with local resources, support information, and treatment centers.