a home for healing: friends of youth celebrates bridge pointe ribbon cutting

Friends of Youth has officially opened Bridge Pointe Housing, a healing place for young adults, 18 - 24, transitioning from inpatient treatment. 

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Friends of Youth hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Bridge Pointe Housing with honored guests and speakers including, Friends of Youth President and CEO, Paul Lwali; Friends of Youth Senior Director of Youth and Family Services, Brooke Drennon; Friends of Youth Senior Director of Homeless Youth Services, Eric Buley; NorthStar Advocates Founder, Jim Theofelis; Representative Julio Cortez (District 38 – Position 1); City of Kirkland Mayor, Kelli Curtis; Governor’s Office Representative, Taku Mineshita; Friends of Youth Board Vice Chair, Pete Lohr; Excelsior Wellness President and CEO, Andrew Hill; and Youth Advocate Sierra Phillips. 

Located in Kirkland, Bridge Pointe offers up to 90 days of stable housing and wraparound support services to help participants continue recovery and build independence. The program provides on-site mental health therapy, substance use recovery support, medication coordination, peer-led groups, and daily life skills coaching. Staff also help residents connect with education, employment, and long-term housing resources. 

Bridge Pointe is part of a statewide initiative made possible through Senate Bill 1929 (SB1929), sponsored by State Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett, among others, and created by NorthStar Advocates, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending youth homelessness. SB1929 funds transitional “bridge care” housing for young people leaving inpatient behavioral health facilities, helping them stabilize and plan for their return to the community. 

“While not magic, inpatient treatment can break the pattern of addiction and provide a fresh perspective to reignite a young person’s hope. Inpatient treatment offers the opportunity to return to the table of community, but only if supported with safe housing and support immediately upon being discharged.” - Jim Theofelis, Founder and Executive Director of NorthStar Advocates 

If you’re a provider, family member, or young person, please call us at 425.891.3385 or email bridgepointe@friendsofyouth.org to contact our team, confirm eligibility, and check bed availability.