What We’re Up To
We’re already making progress on long-term solutions to behavioral health and housing challenges throughout Skagit County.
Since 2022, we’ve had some big wins, including:
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Secured $17 million from the Washington State Legislature to expand the Skagit STAR Center, increasing the availability of effective treatment services for adults with substance use and mental health disorders.
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Streamlined how we connect people experiencing homelessness to the housing options and resources they need - so they have easier, faster ways to find a place to live.
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Pooled $1.5 million in city and County funding to open Martha’s Place, Skagit’s first permanent supportive housing development.
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Implemented a shared software system to help first responders improve coordination, care, and outcomes for people in crisis.
Recent Actions
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To ensure sustainability and support infrastructure, Monica Negrila has been hired to support the direction and growth of North Star. Monica brings extensive experience in behavioral health and human services and looks forward to implementing creative and innovative solutions to support the most vulnerable residents in Skagit County. Read more here.
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As part of our ongoing work to increase the supply of affordable housing throughout Skagit County, the North Star Leadership Team issued a call to action encouraging all city councils to free up more land for housing construction through targeted updates to zoning codes and land use plans. Read more here.
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On August 12, 2024, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the Skagit STAR Center in Sedro-Woolley. Made possible by the collective efforts of partners across the state, the facility will provide 48 new voluntary inpatient beds and be a meaningful and more cost-effective alternative to jail and the emergency room. Read more here.
There’s so much more good work ahead. Over the next year, we plan to:
Expand crisis response services and improve collaboration among our cities, law enforcement, first responders, and service providers to connect people with appropriate resources, rather than jail or the emergency room.
Expand and strengthen recovery support services to improve the quality of services and increase access to the care people need to thrive.
Coordinate money from federal opioid settlements to fund life-saving services – from prevention to recovery.
Expand the Skagit STAR Center by adding 48 beds for medical detox, voluntary mental health crisis stabilization, and longer-term residential treatment. Projected opening: Winter 2025.
Update land-use planning policies and identify properties suitable for housing to promote faster housing production for people at all income levels.
What’s Next
In the News
Read the latest news and headlines about our work and partners throughout Skagit Valley.
Mount Vernon City Council gets North Star update
The Mount Vernon City Council heard a presentation on the 2025 goals of the North Star initiative.
January 23, 2025County hires Director of Strategic Initiatives
A new position has been created in Skagit County government to aid in the strategic direction and development of county initiatives, including the public-private North Star partnership.
October 7, 2024Skagit County breaks ground on crisis center expansion
The Skagit STAR Center provides law enforcement and first responders a safe place to drop off community members in crisis who need acute mental health treatment and substance use detox.
August 21, 2024County awarded grant to identify land for affordable housing
The Washington State Dept. of Commerce awarded $50,000 to Skagit County to inventory public land for affordable housing as part of North Star.
March 15, 2024What Factors Increase the Likelihood Unhoused People Will Seek Out Shelters? Part Two
County and cities partner to address the homelessness crisis beyond providing temporary housing.
March 4, 2024