What Is North Star?
We can be more effective when we work together to solve a problem. North Star is a public-private partnership uniting governments, first responders, housing and health organizations, and other community leaders.
For too long, communities have tried to tackle issues on their own. It isn’t working and too many people are suffering. It’s time to shift from managing this crisis to solving it, and the only way we can do that is by working together.
By pooling resources, coordinating action, and streamlining essential community services we’re helping people get the care and support they need more efficiently and effectively.
North Star’s collaborative approach is more effective, costs less, and gets people the support and services they need, when they need them.
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On any given night, at least 533 people are experiencing homelessness in Skagit County - a 70% increase from 2022.
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Only 50% of households earning the county’s median income can qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home.
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More than 4,100 calls looking for help are made every month to our region’s behavioral health crisis hotline.
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There’s a 127-bed shortage at mental health and substance use treatment facilities in Skagit County.
Our Priorities
We’re here to connect fragmented systems so we can all do more to help our neighbors get on a path to self-sufficiency. By coordinating across Skagit County, we are more effective, efficient, and provide the help people need.
Here’s how we plan to disrupt the status quo and build thriving communities throughout Skagit County.
Community-Based System of Care
We’re working to streamline and coordinate our crisis outreach and co-response, expand and strengthen recovery support services, and increase the capacity and coordination of behavioral health services.
Stable and Safe Housing
We’re facilitating access to diverse housing options by building a pipeline of affordable housing and making pathways to housing faster and easier to navigate.
Who’s Involved
North Star’s leadership team includes the mayors of Skagit County’s four largest cities and three Skagit County Commissioners. A multi-sector advisory group and several work groups of experts and community members provide guidance to this leadership team.
Leadership Team
Bill Aslett, Mayor, Burlington
Peter Browning, Commissioner, Skagit County
Peter Donovan, Mayor, Mount Vernon
Lisa Janicki, Commissioner, Skagit County
Julia Johnson, Mayor, Sedro-Woolley
Matt Miller, Mayor, Anacortes
Ron Wesen, Commissioner, Skagit County
Advisory Group
The Advisory Group includes community leaders from health care, human services, housing, education, law enforcement, tribal communities, faith groups, individuals that have experienced homelessness, and more.
Our History
Want to know more about how North Star developed?
Read our Call to Action.
Review Key Leader Interview Findings.
Dig into the Vital Conditions that inform our work.
View scenario diagrams for how we can support Skagit residents.