Bringing Recovery into Diverse Groups through Engagement and Support

This report describes baseline characteristics for individuals enrolled in the Bringing Recovery into Diverse Groups through Engagement and Support (BRIDGES) program during the first year of program services (April 2014 through March 2015). BRIDGES provides evidence-based Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Supported Employment (SE) to chronically homeless adults with substance use or co-occurring disorders in Kitsap, Snohomish and Spokane counties. BRIDGES is funded by a three year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). During the first year, 119 individuals enrolled in the program. We found that nearly all (94 percent) of participants entered the program from homeless or unstable living situations and faced numerous barriers to housing, including mental illness, substance abuse, chronic illness, unemployment and involvement with the criminal justice system. A final evaluation at the end of the three year grant period will examine the impact of BRIDGES on participant housing, employment and arrest outcomes.