Everett clubhouse holds steady after state funding cuts

Kailey Fiedler Gohlke, CEO of HERO House NW, announced in July that the Washington State Health Care Authority reduced funding for the organization by approximately 30 percent. The cut impacts the Everett location at 1901 Wetmore Ave., limiting the ability to expand employment and housing programs. Gohlke described the situation as difficult because the clubhouse model relies on staff and members working side by side to combat isolation. Despite the reduction, the facility continues to operate daily, serving adults with mental illness who use the space to build job skills and receive education support.

The Everett clubhouse opened in 2019 after Meg McClure and her husband Harold identified a need for community-based support following their son's diagnosis. The couple wanted to create an environment where members could make their own choices and build confidence, rather than relying solely on clinical solutions. The organization is part of a network that runs four clubhouses across the state. Membership remains free and is open to anyone over 18 with a history of mental illness. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, where members assist with tasks such as cashiering, email management, and meal preparation.

Funding challenges in Snohomish County differ from those in King County, according to Gohlke. In King County, a 0.1 percent sales tax partially funds the organization. In Snohomish County, HERO House must negotiate with each of the state's five Medicaid plans separately. This administrative complexity makes securing resources more difficult. Gohlke stated that the organization is now focusing on community partnerships to bridge the gap. She expressed frustration that the clubhouse is considered a secret, noting that the service should be widely known within the community.

Justin Grimett shared his experience in a letter read aloud at a recent open house. He described his life as nomadic before finding HERO House in 2023. Grimett wrote that the clubhouse changed his life, moving him from homelessness to a stable relationship and a job he is eager to hold. He credited the organization with helping him keep his employment. Jeannee Carr, another member, said it took her a year and a half to feel comfortable in the space. She noted that building friendships with other members helped restore her will to live and motivation to socialize.

Julia Smith, an employment specialist at the Everett location, noted that more than 40 percent of current members have jobs or are attending school. She expects to see an increase in attendance when new Medicaid work requirements take effect in January. Smith questioned the funding disparity, stating that if the goal is to return people to work, programs like HERO House should have more resources. She highlighted that many members express a strong desire to work. The recent open house served to showcase recent renovations and allow members to share their stories with the public.

The open house took place on Thursday, where staff and members gathered to discuss the future of the program. The event allowed the organization to demonstrate its current operations and the impact of the clubhouse on individual lives. While the funding cut presents a challenge to expansion, the core services remain active. Members continue to use the facility for daily structure and social connection. The organization maintains that the community-based approach is essential for supporting individuals with mental illness in finding stability.