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Villa of Hope outlines crisis-de‑escalation and youth programs to People, Parks & Public Works Committee
Summary
Villa of Hope described two programs — Hope Place, a peer‑staffed crisis diversion site for adults, and Hope on the Horizon, a youth support center — including services, hours, location and entry procedures.
Monique Bodine, program manager for Hope Place at the Villa of Hope, and Daryl Emerson II, program manager for Hope on the Horizon at the Villa of Hope, presented program overviews to the People, Parks & Public Works Committee on April 24.
The presenters told the committee that Hope Place offers an alternative to emergency‑department care for adults in behavioral health or substance‑use crisis by providing a nonclinical, trauma‑informed “living room” setting staffed by certified peer specialists. "We are open 3 to 11 p.m.," Bodine said, and she described on‑site resources including a full pantry, a clothing closet, community showers and referrals to other community supports. The program is located at 1099 J Street, Building P.
Hope on the Horizon, Emerson said, serves youth with services intended to support academic and workforce success through tutoring, career development counseling, mentoring, life‑skills coaching, case management, transportation assistance, and a media center that offers podcasting, audio production, graphic design and gaming. He described the center’s schedule and access: "We are open 11 to 8 (weekdays) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends," and said youth may walk in or complete an intake; those under 18 require a parent/guardian to sign intake paperwork.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about peer certification and client flow. Emerson said Villa of Hope’s peer staff complete a peer academy for mental health and a separate recovery academy for substance‑use work. Committee members also asked how the living‑room model works; Bodine described the physical layout and said the nonclinical atmosphere encourages de‑escalation and peer‑to‑peer conversations that can connect guests to longer‑term services.
Council members praised the programs and asked practical questions about referrals, eligibility and how older youth transition to adult services. Emerson said youth approaching age limits are not simply discharged; staff work to connect them to age‑appropriate programs and supports.
The presentation concluded with contact information and an invitation to visit the sites. Council members indicated support and thanked Villa of Hope staff for the programs.
The committee did not take formal action on these programs during the meeting; the presentation served as informational briefing to aid future oversight and budget or partnership decisions.
