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| 29 Jan 2026 | |
| Media |
Olympia, WA – Skagit County’s North Star Initiative Wins Project of Impact Award
Joint effort brings housing, crisis response, and health care.
More than 500 people experience homelessness in Skagit County on any given night, with too few treatment beds and one of the lowest housing vacancy rates in Washington.
In 2022, Skagit County’s leaders launched North Star—All Skagit Thriving to change that.
The effort unites county and city governments, first responders, housing providers, health organizations, and community leaders to ensure every resident has access to safe housing and essential care.
Washington State Association of Counties Project has recognized Skagit County’s North Star initiative with a Project of Impact Award for its bold, countywide approach to homelessness and behavioral health.
Closing Gaps in Housing and Care
North Star opened Martha’s Place, the county’s first permanent supportive housing development with 70 units. The initiative secured $24 million from the Legislature to expand the Skagit STAR Center, adding 48 inpatient beds for crisis stabilization, detox, and co‑occurring treatment.
A shared software system, Julota, now helps first responders and health providers coordinate care for people in crisis. Peer workforce training and a new radio log code (STAR) strengthen crisis response and recovery services.
Impact Through Collaboration
County commissioners and city mayors lead the effort, with support from advisory groups and task forces representing health care, housing, law enforcement, tribal communities, and people with lived experience.
In just three years, North Star has leveraged more than $50 million in housing and treatment projects since launch.
Countywide symposiums and housing forums have engaged hundreds of participants to align policy and expand affordable housing.
Be sure to check out the photos from the Awards Lunch here!
The Washington State Association of Counties represents all 39 counties, advocating for local solutions and celebrating innovation that strengthens communities.
Media Contact
Mitch Netzer
Senior Manager, Business Development & Communications
mnetzer@wsac.org | 360.485.8549
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