Mayor directs staff to extend occupancy deadline for Hope and Wellness; supporters urge permanent stay

Mayor Cassie Franklin said Tuesday she has directed city staff to extend the code-enforcement deadline for Hope and Wellness’s occupancy to April 30 while staff continue to evaluate sites and funding options.

The move followed public comments from program participants and supporters who urged the council and administration to keep the harm‑reduction and recovery services provider in its current location. Noli McCartney Adeso, who identified herself as an Everett resident, told council members she was “here tonight to add another voice of support for the work of Hope and Wellness,” and read an anonymous letter from a participant thanking the organization for its “support, guidance, and compassion.”

Why it matters: Hope and Wellness provides drop‑in services, basic needs assistance and recovery supports for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder. Maintaining continuity of those services — especially during a pending relocation or regulatory action — was the central ask from speakers who said an abrupt move would disrupt ongoing recovery and access to basic necessities.

Council and staff context: Mayor Franklin said staff are looking at “viable locations and paths for funding” and will follow up with Hope and Wellness and its legal representatives. Franklin told council members she had directed staff to extend the occupancy deadline in response to a request from the provider’s attorneys. No binding council vote accompanied the mayor’s direction; the extension is an administrative action by the mayor’s office and city staff.

Public testimony highlighted participant testimonials, business-owner letters and calls from first responders. Austin, who identified himself as an Everett resident and supporter of the program, said the extension “is going to help a lot of people” and asked the city to continue working toward a permanent solution. Several speakers asked the city to prioritize accessibility and continuity, saying moving the site would destabilize participants already engaged in recovery.

What was not decided: The council did not adopt a binding ordinance or vote to allocate new funding for Hope and Wellness during the meeting. Mayor Franklin and staff described ongoing site searches and funding discussions but did not announce commitments of capital or operational funds beyond the administrative extension through April 30.

Next steps: Council members indicated staff will follow up with additional options and bring information back to the council. Mayor Franklin said staff look forward to discussing possible options with Hope and Wellness at a future meeting.