Access to safe and affordable housing is among the key social determinants that affect health outcomes. Aiming to build healthier communities, CHPW partnered with Unity Care NW and the Opportunity Council of Bellingham to boost housing assistance for vulnerable populations in Whatcom County.

A $12,000 grant from CHPW and Unity Care helped provide rent assistance to CHPW members living in supportive housing run by the Council. The organizations also agreed to exchange data and information on shared patients and engaged primary care and behavioral health providers to coordinate services.

In 2019, more than 21,000 people in Washington experienced homelessness on any given day, according to federal statistics. CHPW hopes the partnership will enable it to better understand the needs of its members so it can better address housing issues while improving health outcomes.

The CHPW and Unity Care NW grant will be partnered with other rental assistance funds to support CHPW members enrolled in Foundational Community Supports, a state program that helps Medicaid beneficiaries with complex needs get and keep stable housing.

“Health should be a community endeavor, and we strive to make sure that all people have access to the services they need to be healthy,” said Leanne Berge, CEO of CHPW.

Below is a link  that breaks down the number of homeless in Washington state by county.

Infographic: https://infogram.com/homeless-in-washington-1h8n6mqpoxpv2xo?live