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November 22, 2024
 Over $10.4 million in funding approved to support mental health, chemical dependency programs in Kitsap County
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved funding recommendations on Oct. 28, 2024, for $5.4 million that will be distributed in 2025 to 21 local agencies, $1.8 million for the operation of Kitsap County and Bremerton Therapeutic Courts and $3.2 million in capital funding to increase the number of stable and affordable housing options for persons meeting the funding criteria. The total funding to the community for 2025 is $10.4 million. The funds are generated from the 1/10th of 1 percent sales and use tax designated for mental health, chemical dependency, and therapeutic court services.
View a list of recipients, grant awards and programs funded on the program website.
The funding recommendations were presented to Commissioners by the Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Court Community Advisory Committee, an 11-member, commissioner-appointed group of volunteers. The committee reviews applications, conducts interviews and considers each proposal in relation to the county's Continuum of Care, a strategic plan created in 2021 to guide behavioral health services. Approximately $14 million was requested for 2025, showing the growth of programs and services, and need for funding.
“The community advisory committee spent two months reading 37 proposals and budgets from local agencies and courts, and then conducted a two-day deliberation session to ensure the entire county is served with equitable services. The committee was focused on funding direct services to our community. The community advisory members are made up of individuals from across the county who have spent entire careers in the field of mental health and chemical dependency services, law enforcement, work in our school system, personally have lived experience and who have experience attempting to find services for a family member. The committee used this diverse skill set and experience to weigh each application. This advisory committee serves as the community input in the decision-making process for utilization of this local tax fund. We value the expertise and time they provided to make these recommendations to our Board of County Commissioners,” noted Sonya Miles, Deputy Director with the Kitsap County Department of Human Services.
County Commissioners expressed their gratitude to the committee for the many hours contributed to complete the application and recommendation review process. Board Chair Katie Walters stated, “We deeply appreciate the Advisory Committee members for their expertise and thoughtful deliberation, ensuring these resources are directed to programs that will make a meaningful difference in our community.”
The county's 1/10th of 1 percent treatment retail sales and use tax was established in 2014 to support behavioral health. Funding awarded for 2025 will be distributed to a variety of therapeutic court programs including juvenile, adult and veterans' drug courts, with continued support for law enforcement, housing stabilization, reentry coordinators, and crisis intervention staff.
New program funding in 2025 for youth counseling services, recovery support networks and resource liaisons was also included. Funded organizations providing housing and support for individuals with behavioral health challenges are Kitsap Rescue Mission, Kitsap Homes of Compassion, Pendleton Place, Eagles Wings, West Sound Treatment Center, Kitsap Community Resources, and Scarlet Road.
Details on the 1/10th of 1 percent sales tax program, strategic plan, annual reports and previous funding awards can be reviewed by visiting the Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Therapeutic Court (MHCDTC) website.
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