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Foundational Community Supports (FCS) is an initiative of Medicaid Transformation. It allows qualified providers to receive Medicaid reimbursement for delivering supportive housing and supported employment services for people with the greatest and most immediate social and health needs.
August is National Wellness Month, a time to prioritize self-care, manage stress, and build healthy habits that support your overall well-being. Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about making small, intentional choices that help you feel your best, both personally and professionally.
Whether it’s taking a walk during your lunch break, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, connecting with others, or simply taking a few moments to recharge, every step toward wellness matters.
This month, challenge yourself to adopt one new healthy habit or recommit to a routine that helps you thrive. Small changes can lead to lasting improvements in your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Here’s to a healthier, happier August!
Community-based supported employment (SE) and supportive housing (SH) are critically important support services for people who are recovering from serious mental illnesses and other behavioral health challenges. These services are probably among the best examples of what the field of psychiatric rehabilitation brings to mental health systems of care.
Psychiatric rehabilitation is an approach to mental health service provision that emphasizes the promotion of functioning rather than symptom reduction. More specifically, helping people successfully function in living, working, learning and social environments of their own choosing. The overall goals of this approach are recovery, community integration and improved quality of life. Those who practice psychiatric rehabilitation across the spectrum of support services share a set of values and adhere to guiding principles in their day-to-day work.
Values held by staff practicing psychiatric rehabilitation include belief in self-determination and the dignity and worth of every individual. All adults have the right to make their own choices about where they live and the type of work they do. Psychiatric rehabilitation practitioners should also work hard to maintain optimism about the ability of the participants they support to find and maintain meaningful work and to be able to adapt well to independent living. While it can sometimes be challenging to remain optimistic if a person has struggled in the past to maintain housing and employment, it is critical for us to believe, and to convey the beliefs, that there is dignity in risk, that people can learn from past missteps and that with the right opportunities and supports success is possible. Often our optimism is an important ingredient in building self-efficacy and reducing the impact of self-stigma.
The guiding principles of psychiatric rehabilitation include person-centered partnerships, a strengths-focused approached, and use of natural supports. If you think about your job duties, you will likely notice that you put these and other principles into practice every day. For example, when working with a newly enrolled SE services participant, the initial tasks include engagement strategies focused on getting to know a person’s job preferences and the strengths that could help them achieve success in a job search.
When working with an SH services participant it’s also essential to learn their housing preferences and their strengths in terms of their independent living skills. You can then partner with the person to help them learn and practice skills, such as interacting with landlords, budgeting and preparing healthy food, serving as a positive role model and cheerleader as they develop or master new skills. In both SE and SH programs, it is important to help participants access resources, including supports that occur naturally in the community such as work colleagues and neighbors.
Below is a full list of the goals, values and principles of psychiatric rehabilitation. Think about the others that influence the work you do when providing Foundational Community Supports.
Goals
- Recovery
- Community integration
- Quality of life
Values
- Self-determination and empowerment
- Dignity and worth of every individual
- Optimism that everyone has the capacity to recover, learn and grow
- Wellness
- Cultural diversity
- Promotion of valued social roles and normalized environments
Guiding principles
- Person-centered / individualization of services
- Strengths focus
- Partnership between service participant and service provider
- Natural supports
- Integrated settings
- Focus on work and career development
- Integration of treatment and rehabilitation services
- Ongoing, accessible, and coordinated services
- Utilization of evidence-based practices
- Focus on program evaluation and quality improvement
By Nora Barrett, MSW, LCSW
Professor Barrett is with Rutgers University Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions where she is an associate professor and vice-chair. She also directs the Rutgers training and technical assistance project with Washington State HCA.
The partnership between Rural Resources' Community Connectand Foundational Community Supports (FCS) programs has helped many individuals overcome barriers to housing by combining resources, coordination, and person-centered support. Together, these programs address immediate needs while helping members achieve long-term housing stability. Below are a few examples of how this collaboration has positively impacted members.
Success story: From homelessness to stable housing
One member entered the Community Connect program while experiencing homelessness. After initially securing temporary shelter in a local hotel, Community Connect connected the member with Rural Resources' Rapid Rehousing program and referred them to the FCS program for ongoing housing case management.
While the member was staying in the hotel, Community Connect provided basic necessities to meet immediate needs. FCS and Community Connect worked closely together to develop a housing plan, complete applications, and coordinate services. Through this partnership, the member was successfully housed at the North Hill Apartments in Colville.
After moving into permanent housing, Community Connect continued supporting the member by providing essential household items to help furnish the apartment and make the transition from homelessness to stable housing more successful. FCS also assisted the member with enrollment in the CBRA program, helping cover rental costs and reduce financial barriers to maintaining housing.
Although the member has since graduated from the Community Connect program, they continue to actively participate in FCS services to maintain housing stability and work toward long-term independence.
Success story: Removing transportation barriers
Another member faced transportation challenges while working toward permanent housing. Community Connect provided gas vouchers, allowing the member to travel to appointments, complete required paperwork, and gather the documentation needed to secure housing.
With those barriers removed, FCS was able to successfully assist the member in obtaining permanent housing. This partnership demonstrates how removing even a single barrier, such as transportation, can significantly impact a member's ability to achieve housing stability.
Success story: Bridging the gap before TAP funding
Before TAP funding became available, one FCS member was approved for housing but lacked the financial resources needed to move in. Without assistance, the opportunity for permanent housing would have been lost.
Community Connect stepped in by covering the member's security deposit and utility connection costs, allowing the member to move into their new apartment without delay. FCS then continued providing ongoing housing case management and supportive services to help the member maintain long-term housing stability.
Conclusion
These success stories demonstrate the power of collaboration between Community Connect and Foundational Community Supports. By combining emergency assistance, housing navigation, transportation support, household essentials, and ongoing case management, Rural Resources has helped members overcome barriers that might otherwise prevent them from obtaining or maintaining permanent housing.
Community Connect has also helped several members transitioning from homelessness by providing essential household items, allowing them to furnish their new homes and create a safe, stable living environment. When paired with the ongoing support provided through FCS, these services create a seamless continuum of care that empowers individuals to achieve lasting housing stability and greater independence.
Written and submitted by Rural Resources Community Action, Community-based Teams Division
The Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team is hosting the August Medicaid documentation training.
Webinar: Thursday, August 6, from 1:05 to 3 p.m.
Washington State Medicaid documentation requirements for behavioral health and homeless service providers are centered on demonstrating medical necessity, ensuring compliance, and supporting reimbursement.
This training is recommended for those who:
- Are new to provided Supportive Housing and Supported Employment services
- Interested in improving personal or agency documentation, especially around Medicaid billing requirements
- Considering participating in fidelity review and would like more information on how to prepare
- Learn about Medicaid and medical necessity
Objectives
- Comprehensive documentation enhances participant outcomes
- Individualized Service Plans (ISP) as a guide for services
- Golden Thread process
- Avoid Medicaid abuse/waste/fraudulent actions
Resources:
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team are excited to invite you to an eight-part learning community hosted by Advocates for Human Potential (AHP)
Webinar: Friday, August 7, from 10 to 11 a.m.
FCS is convening a Learning Collaborative on Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) to strengthen the capacity of providers, community partners, and stakeholders in delivering high-quality housing and supportive services.
This collaborative will offer a structured forum for sharing best practices, addressing implementation challenges, and fostering innovation in PSH models. Through facilitated discussions, peer learning, and expert-led sessions, participants will gain practical tools to improve housing stability, health outcomes, and service coordination for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and behavioral health challenges across Washington State.
Topics
- Long-term solutions, not quick fixes: Supportive housing focuses on permanent stability, moving beyond temporary shelter to lasting change for individuals and communities
- Partnerships are essential: Successful supportive housing depends on collaboration between housing providers, health care systems, behavioral health services, and community organizations
- Community strengthening: Beyond ending individual homelessness, supportive housing builds healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities
- Housing is healthcare: Stable housing is foundational to improving health, recovery, and overall well-being
This is an eight-part series, occurring from 10 to 11 a.m. the first Friday of each month.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) invite you to join us in learning about updates to HRSN
August webinars: Monday, August 10 and August 24, from 4 to 5 p.m.
Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team are excited to announce that the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) rental arrears funding launched April 1, 2026!
Join us every other Monday for an informal conversation via Teams where you can ask questions and learn more about this funding and program reach. Please remember, if discussing specific client situations, do not share any PHI.
Resources
Please contact Anessa Williams (anessa.williams@hca.wa.gov) with any additional questions in the interim.
Call for HRSN success stories
Have you recently helped a participant access rent assistance through HRSN? We would love to hear your success stories! Your stories are extremely important to us to demonstrate the ongoing need for programs like this.
If having arrears paid helped someone prevent eviction, stabilize, improve mental health and stress levels, etc., please submit these anecdotes to anessa.williams@hca.wa.gov.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) Team and Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) are excited to announce the provider training dates for the Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) rental assistance.
Webinar: Monday, August 17, from 4 to 5 p.m.
Please join us to learn about the newly available HRSN rental assistance program. FCS Supportive Housing eligible individuals will be able to access up to six months of rental assistance anywhere in Washington State.
Objectives
- Eligibility requirements and what the approval/denial process looks like
- How to apply, including a tutorial of the Core Relief platform with the Spokane Housing Authority
- Available funding
- Relationship with and impact to Medical Respite Care
An opportunity for a Q & A will be available at the end of the presentation.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team is kicking off 2026 with another round of our FCS 101 monthly trainings
Webinar: Wednesday, August 19, from 10 a.m. to noon
This training is intended to provide you with an introduction to the FCS program. The FCS Team will be offering the FCS 101 training on the third Wednesday of every month from 10am-12 noon. It is an open and supportive space to get a basic introduction to all things FCS Supportive Housing and Supported Employment. We enthusiastically encourage providers to learn more about the variety of programs and services supported by FCS, as well as an introduction to the Washington FCS team and answer questions you may have.
Objectives
- Learn about Foundational Community Supports
- Get an overview of supported employment services
- Get an overview of supportive housing services
- Connect with HCA’s FCS Team
Upcoming 2026 FCS 101 trainings: September 16, October 21, November 18, December 17
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team are launching this new training series for providers new to FCS
Webinar: Wednesday, August 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The FCS team is unrolling a standing monthly provider orientation which will cover introductory information about Foundational Community Supports Supported Employment, Supportive Housing, Apple Health and Homes Rental Assistance Program (AHAH-RAP), and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
This will be an open and supportive space to get a basic orientation to all things FCS and serve as a great place for new and prospective providers and FCS staff to ask questions, meet the FCS team, and meet our WellPoint partner team members.
We enthusiastically encourage you to attend if
- You are an organization interested in providing FCS and need more information about the program and associated programming
- You are a new FCS provider (Welcome!)
- You have recently hired new Supportive Housing or Supported Employment specialists, or have staff that would like a refresher on FCS and fidelity to best practices
- You would like an opportunity to connect with HCA’s FCS Team and Wellpoint to ask questions about service provision, program implementation, etc.
This orientation will be offered every third Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team invites you to join them for the monthly Supported Employment Coordinating Committee (SECC) meeting.
Webinar: Wednesday, August 19, from 9 to 10 a.m.
SECC's goal is to improve the employment rate for people with behavioral health and other challenges.
The current SECC was originally the Olmstead Policy Academy started in 2013 to create a strategic plan to improve the employment rate for people experiencing mental health and/or substance use issues.
The SECC carries on with the same intent with a wider audience. We still have much to do to improve employment rates and support Medicaid recipients’ return to work.
In each meeting, we will discuss new ideas and strategies as well as receive training on various programs and projects.
The Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) supported employment team invite you to this IPS-focused Supported Employment training series
Webinar: Tuesday, August 25, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
The virtual training series will cover the eight practice principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) supported employment. New staff in IPS programs, case managers, Certified Peer Support Specialists, and clinicians and providers are welcome to join.
IPS is a multidisciplinary team of researchers and trainers who conduct research studies, disseminate findings, prepare training and educational materials, and provide training and consultation services. The center’s activities focus on employment for people with serious mental illnesses. Learn more about IPS.
Upcoming 2026 IPS webinars: September 22, October 27, November 24, December 22.
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) trainers are inviting you to join them in a six-part training series for The Golden Thread Documentation Training
Webinar: Thursday, September 3, from 1:05 to 3 p.m.
Join us for a six-session training series that provides a comprehensive overview, with practical applications FCS documentation. Each webinar covers a specific type of documentation and addresses Medicaid requirements and the importance of the connection between assessments, service plans, and progress notes, known as the Golden Thread.
The series will be presented with the newly developed Golden Thread Toolkit, a valuable new resource for FCS staff. It is recommended that participants attend all sessions in the series, as the information presented is cumulative.
This training is recommended for those who:
- Are new to providing supportive housing and supported employment services
- Are interested in improving the standards of personnel or agency documentation standards
- Are considering participating in a fidelity review and would like more information on how to prepare for it
Objectives
- How to use Medicaid-compliant documentation of Foundational Community Support services specifically the assessments, service plan, and progress notes
- What the Golden Thread is, and its importance in providing quality services to participants
- Writing documentation in a way that accurately and completely reflects a participant’s story in a person-centered way
Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) Foundational Community Supports (FCS) team is kicking off 2026 with another round of our FCS 101 monthly trainings
Webinar: Wednesday, September 16, from 10:05 a.m. to noon
This training is intended to provide you with an introduction to the FCS program. The FCS Team will be offering the FCS 101 training on the third Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon.
This will serve as an open and supportive space to get a basic introduction to all things FCS Supportive Housing and Supported Employment. We enthusiastically encourage providers to learn more about the variety of programs and services supported by FCS, as well as an introduction to the Washington FCS team and answer questions you may have.
Objectives
- Learn about Foundational Community Supports
- Get an overview of supported employment services
- Get an overview of supportive housing services
- Connect with HCA’s FCS Team
Future Introduction to FCS webinars: October 21, November 18, December 17
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