The YWCA Edmonds New Start Center is a place where people experiencing homelessness and housing instability can find their new start.
Operated by YWCA, this 90-day bridge housing facility is designed to help homeless individuals stabilize and connect with services that support long-term housing. It has 45 single bedroom units with 24/7 on-site staffing and supportive services that include case management, behavioral health support, employment assistance, and various other wraparound services that help individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing.
Building stability one step at a time
The New Start Center project was funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Snohomish County's Affordable Housing and Behavioral Health funds from a dedicated portion of local sales tax. Renovated from former motels purchased by Snohomish County, the Edmonds New Start Center (operated by YWCA) and the Everett New Start Center (operated by the Salvation Army) have a total of 121 units available between both centers, with ongoing operations supported through a combination of county and federal housing funds.
Each standard and ADA-accessible unit in the Edmonds New Start Center includes a bed, desk, chair, mini fridge, sink, heater / AC unit, TV, microwave, night stand, and lamp. Amenities include fresh linens on a weekly basis, laundry detergent, toiletries, hygiene products, one daily hot meal, and two cold meals. The facility also has a laundry room where residents can wash their personal items and a community room, which serves as a general meeting space for residents and can be used for recreational activities, group gatherings, community events, and other resident programs.
More than just temporary housing
When someone is referred to the New Start Center through one of our community partners, they don't navigate their next steps alone. Staff sit down with residents to discuss their goals so our team knows the best ways to support individuals during their stay. Maria Chavez-Wilcox, CEO of YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish, says that is a critical part of YWCA's services, and it's something she's proud of. "People are at different points in their life. [...] We don't tell people where they should be or where they want to be; they need to tell us how they can be helped and where we can meet them, because every person and every life is different."
Each resident will be assigned a life coach who works as their case manager, helping them find stability and transition from temporary housing to permanent housing. YWCA's life coach coordinate services such as housing placement, benefits enrollment, healthcare, and employment resources while developing individualized service plans and advocating for resident needs.
In addition to YWCA's work with community partners for resident referrals, we also have outside service providers who will help residents access a wide range of resources. Millennium Ministries provides residents with their daily hot meal, the Edmonds Food Bank provides ingredients for cold meals, Conquer Clinics offers mental health support, Snohomish County WRAPS helps with substance abuse recovery support, and UW Nurses will help with health education. Through the Health Benefit Exchange, our in-house Community Health Worker will help residents with insurance enrollment, medical bill and pharmacy trouble-shooting, and more. For residents without insurance, they work with providers who work on a sliding-scale fee or have options for financial assistance.
As part of YWCA's Landlord Engagement Project program, the New Start Center also has a Landlord Engagement Specialist (LES) who will help individuals secure housing by working directly with landlords to address barriers, advocate for applicants, and support the rental process.
“This place exists because of a partnership; people who said: 'We believe that limited resources do not limit our compassion'," said Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen. "Communities aren’t measured by the buildings they build; they’re measured by the futures they help create inside these buildings.”
The Edmonds New Start Center also plans to add a computer area, which will allow residents to research housing, employment opportunities, and other resources they may need during their stay. They can also use these computers to complete applications, access community services, and support their personal goals.
Community and Compassion
Public officials and members of YWCA leadership made remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but there was a consistent theme in each message: "Everyone needs a place to call home from which to start their life's journey. [...] Every person's story is unique, and every person's pursuit of dignity is unique, and everybody deserves help to do that," said Edmonds Human Services Program Manager and YWCA Board Member Mindy Woods.
Mindy spoke from experience; 16 years ago, she and her son became homeless after their apartment was taken over by black mold. They were on their own for four months before finally getting into a shelter program, which moved them into the same motel that was later renovated into the Edmonds New Start Center. “That was the first time that I was finally able to sleep soundly. My son was able to get in the bathtub and take a nice long bath, somebody else changed the sheets, it was great,” said Mindy. “Having those supportive wraparound services—which were only a fraction of what will be offered for the New Start Center—made all the difference in the world for us."
When the proposal for the New Start Center reached her, Mindy said she was very excited thinking about the outcomes, and she thinks the New Start Center's services will be life-changing and possibly even life-saving for individuals who come through its doors. "I know that everyone’s needs are different, and this program will be able to meet those needs with dignity and respect, and with intentional goals in mind for each individual, and that support will be life-changing," Mindy said in her closing statements. "Homelessness can happen to anyone at any time, for any number of reasons, but when you have an organization like YWCA enter your life and surround you with love, kindness, and support, anything is possible. I'm thrilled to be able to have this amazing resource in our community."
View the full remarks from our speakers and help support the Edmonds New Start Center by donating items on their wish list.
Ana Rodriguez-Knutsen is the Content Specialist for YWCA's Marketing & Editorial team. From fiction writing to advocacy, Ana works with an intersectional mindset to uplift and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities.
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