celebrating hope and healing: bridge pointe ribbon cutting

Last month, Friends of Youth welcomed community members to our Kirkland campus for a very special occasion—the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bridge Pointe, an innovative housing program designed for young adults, ages 18 to 24, transitioning from inpatient behavioral health treatment. This event marked three months of operating our first Bridge Pointe house and celebrated the upcoming opening of our second home as we look ahead to 2026.

The ceremony brought together local leaders, funders, partners, and Friends of Youth employees to honor what Bridge Pointe represents: a safe, supportive space where recovery continues, and independence begins.

Why is Bridge Pointe so critical? A 2018 study by A Way Home Washington found that two out of three young people discharged from inpatient behavioral health treatment experienced homelessness shortly after leaving care. Bridge Pointe fills that gap, offering a safe place with care and support to build stability.

The program offers up to 90 days of housing and wraparound support services, including on-site substance use recovery counseling, therapy, peer-led support, and daily life skills coaching. Our employees also help residents connect to education, employment, and long-term housing resources. Since opening our first house, we have served eight young adults, with multiple graduates moving on to safe destinations.

But the true impact of Bridge Pointe is best told through the voices of the young people themselves. Recently, two participants shared what this program means to them.

One young adult told me he arrived on his birthday and said:

“They put a roof over my head. I’ve been able to keep all my things. Before, when I was homeless, I’d get my stuff stolen at least once every week. I wasn’t able to keep a phone for over a month. It has been so great to have a roof over my head.”

He added:

“They got me a phone right when I got here. The donation place is really great—there’s lots of stuff in there. They helped me get my ID, and they can connect you to classes and apprenticeships.”

Another participant reflected:

“It’s a great program if you really want to get yourself situated. It’s helped me a lot. There’s a lot of people who help—they’ve helped me with documents and housing. And they’re more flexible than other programs. You guys don’t look for easy reasons to kick us out, like a lot of programs do. They’re inclusive; they don’t judge.”

When asked what’s been most impactful, he said:

“Everything. Honestly, just the fact that I can get the help I need. They’ve helped me get everything—a phone, housing connections. I’ve gone from not much willingness or wanting to change to having hope that I can actually do something. It’s life-changing, to say the least.”

These words remind us why Bridge Pointe exists and why community support matters.

As we prepare to open our second Bridge Pointe house, we remain committed to meeting young adults where they are, with compassion, flexibility, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Together, we are walking alongside participants toward healing, stability, and brighter tomorrows.

Thank you to our incredible Bridge Pointe team and every community partner who made this program—and the ribbon cutting celebration possible. This dedication is opening doors to stability, healing, and opportunity for young people on their journey forward.

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Washington State Health Care Authority. (2023, December 1). Access to behavioral health services for children, youth, and young adults (Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5432, Sec. 4002(1); Chapter 325, Laws of 2019) [Report]. https://app.leg.wa.gov/ReportsToTheLegislature/Home/GetPDF?fileName=HCA%20Report%20-%20Access%20to%20Behavioral%20Health%20Services%20for%20Children_64a146cc-4348-48d2-b61c-1d82e0f33009.pdf