On Monday, June 17, 2024, Bremerton Housing Authority hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the acquisition of Evergreen Bright Start, a new 30-unit apartment complex with on-site services designed to support young adults, ages 18-24, who are exiting foster care or facing homelessness. It was a beautiful celebration that highlighted how intentional partnerships with service providers and housing providers are critical to ensuring our residents thrive in our communities. Special Guests First Spouse Trudi Inslee and Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler headlined the event to share their support for Kitsap County embracing a “Yes to Yes” approach to how we serve our community. Our goals align with the Washington State Office of Homeless Youth to ensure that, when a young person says “Yes!” to receiving housing, services, and resources, that we can say “Yes!” because we have the ability and capacity to fulfill those unique and individualized needs.

Thank you to Kitsap Mental Health Services, The Coffee Oasis, Olympic Educational Service District #114, Olive Crest, Kitsap Community Resources, Scarlet Road, Olympic College, Peninsula Community Health Services, Kitsap County Commissioners and staff, Bremerton City Council and staff, Washington State Department of Commerce, Kitsap Bank, Washington State Department of Children Youth and Families, the BHA Board of Commissioners and staff, and all other current and future partners that will ensure Evergreen Bright Start is just the beginning of more collaborative and creative solutions that open doors to new opportunities, hope, and a brighter future for all.

Read more about “A Path to “Yes to Yes” Washington” here: https://awayhomewa.org/washington-state-landscape-report-on-unaccompanied-youth-and-young-adult-yya-homelessness/

Read more about Evergreen Bright Start here: https://bremertonhousing.org/bha-news/bremerton-housing-authority-secures-6-5-million-grant-to-provide-supportive-housing-for-vulnerable-young-adults/