PORT ANGELES – Clallam County commissioners are considering a $2 million allocation from the chemical dependency and mental health fund to support Peninsula Behavioral Health’s Northview project in Port Angeles.
The proposed 36-unit development at 2nd and Oak Streets will offer permanent housing with wraparound services for individuals facing behavioral health challenges.
Peninsula Behavioral Health Executive Director Wendy Sisk says 19 units will be reserved for those earning 30% of the area median income (AMI), 15 units for those earning 50% AMI, and two market-rate units for individuals with significant mental health issues who don’t qualify for low-income housing.
“And we tend to be low barrier. We don’t have any lower end income requirements, though. We do have higher end, income requirements and our intention is to provide the adequate supports to make sure that they know how to keep up with their house. They know how to be a good neighbor. They can be successful in paying their rent on time. So that if and when they do have the resources to move from our housing, into other housing in the community that they’re prepared to do that and be successful,” Sisk told county commissioners this week.
The $12.75 million project, expected to house 40 to 60 people, has already raised $3.8 million. Sisk told commissioners that while they hope to secure additional funding from the state Department of Commerce, the PBH board is committed to moving forward even if those funds are not received.
“It has been some risk, and our intention is to move forward, whether we get Commerce funding or not. Where there’s a will there’s a way and we’ll find the resources. We need community needs housing so badly,” said Sisk. “We have a couple other options in our back pocket. If for some reason, Commerce funding doesn’t come through, our board is committed to make this happen for this community.”
The project is slated to break ground by the end of the year, with completion expected by January 2026. Commissioners will vote on the $2 million funding on September 3.