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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022626 Letter Bayside Proposal for use of County-Owned lots for a Thearapeutic Center RECEIVED FEB 2 6 2026 JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Feb. 25. 2026 Proposal for Use of County-Owned Lots for a Therapeutic Center A46116. Dear Commissioners, MII am writing on behalf of Bayside Housing and Service, in partnership with our Discovery Behavioral Healthcare,to formally propose the use of the six-lot site B AYS I D E located in Port Townsend for the development of a new Therapeutic Center. This project would serve as a critical addition to Jefferson County's continuum of care, HOUSING&SERVICES providing intensive treatment services, short-term stabilization housing, and long-term supportive housing on a single integrated campus. PO Box 927 Port Hadlock,WA 98339 Jefferson County currently has no dedicated therapeutic treatment center that www.baysdehousing.org Provides mental-health-focused clinical care, Substance-Use Disorder(SUD)and (360)385-4637 affordable housing options for individuals who need stabilization or long-term support. Community members experiencing mental health crises, SUD, chronic behavioral health conditions,or acute treatment needs are frequently forced to seek Board of Director services far outside the county. This creates barriers to continued care,disrupts President:Terry Umbreit family connections,and often results in cycles of homelessness,hospitalization,or Vice President:Rich Conrad t incarceration. Secretary:Carolyn Eagan This disproportionally affects low-income residents,seniors,vulnerable community Trustees: members, and individuals with disabilities—groups who already face significant Mich Brennan inequities in accessing care. By placing treatment and housing together,this project Janice Cornfield directly supports social equity,allowing vulnerable residents to receive the care they Bill Reid need while remaining connected to their community. Carol Riley Joanne Ritmuller This project meaningfully aligns with Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan, Michelle Sandov which emphasizes: Lisa Marie Warren • Expanding mental and behavioral health services Chris Eagan • increasing affordable and supportive housing options Vince Verneuil • Promoting community wellness,stability,and safety •Advancing health equity for underserved populations Our Mission: To strengthen our Additionally,the Jefferson County Community Wellness Survey showed strong community through community support for increased mental health resources, crisis-stabilization housing advocacy, and capacity,and affordable housing. Residents consistently identified behavioral health as one of the county's highest unmet needs,and this Therapeutic Center would human services supporting directly meet that need. social and economic independence. The proposed Therapeutic Center would include: • An intensive care and treatment facility offering inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services and treatment for substance use disorder • Short-term transitional and stabilization housing for individuals following a crisis or treatment episode • Long-term supportive housing with wraparound care for residents needing extended assistance This integrated model would reduce strain on emergency services,hospitals,and social-service providers while increasing long-term stability and wellness for community members. it would also create local employment opportunities and strengthen the county's overall health-care infrastructure. We respectfully request consideration of the six-lot site(parcel #989800036, 0037, 0038,0039,0040,0041) in Port Townsend as the future home of this essential therapeutic campus. The location's size,accessibility,and proximity to community services make it an ideal setting for a program of this nature. Our organizations are prepared to collaborate closely with county staff, neighboring residents,and service providers to ensure the design and development process reflects community priorities and county planning goals. We believe this project represents a transformative step toward a healthier,more equitable Jefferson County. We welcome the opportunity to present further details, including preliminary concept plans, partnerships, and funding paths. Thank you for your consideration and for your ongoing commitment to the well-being of our community. Sincerely, Ga Keister, Exec tive Direc r Jim ovel i,Chief Ex- u ive Officer �`ILti ide H using Services •iscove Behavioral Heathcare Bayside Housing & Services P.O. Box 927 RECEIVED Port Hadlock, WA 98339 FEB 2 6 2026 JEFFERSON COMM ISSIONERS COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Jefferson County, WA