Heart House

Heart House is a three-story, mixed-use development consisting of 11 units of one and two-bedroom Permanent Supportive Housing apartments designated for mothers with children experiencing homelessness. The units will support high-needs families as identified by our community’s Coordinated Entry System and further identified as needing Permanent Supportive housing.

On the ground floor of Heart House, will be a licensed childcare facility to provide full-time care for up to 32 children ages 12 months to 5 years.

This integrated model includes home-based intensive case management and community building activities through Lydia Place’s Campus Support Program, evidence-based home-visiting parenting education and parenting classes from our Parent Support Program, flexible/in-home therapy through our Mental Health Program, on-site access to services Monday through Friday, a 24-hour support line, a large community garden, and a spring and summer enrichment program.

Whatcom County faces two distinct crises significantly impacting families with young children:

1. A housing crisis due to the lack of available and affordable housing options. The vacancy rate in Whatcom has remained at 1.5% or lower for multiple years, running while rental rates continue to soar.
2. A crippling lack of licensed childcare placements. According to a report released by the Opportunity Council in March of 2018, there are only enough licensed childcare placements for 32% of Whatcom County’s children, and even fewer placements that accept State subsidies. 

Both these realities make it even more unlikely that families struggling with a housing crisis or experiencing homelessness will be able to get back on their feet. Further, it places children at risk by forcing parents to accept alternative and potentially risky childcare options when they are at risk of losing their jobs. Heart House aims to addresses both these current needs by combining low-income Permanent Supportive Housing placements with on-site licensed childcare.