Skagit County renews Volunteers of America contract to operate coordinated entry; county reports shorter wait times

Skagit County commissioners approved a personal services agreement on Aug. 4 to continue contracting with Volunteers of America Western Washington to operate the county’s coordinated entry system for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The item was removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration and approved during miscellaneous items; Commissioner Janicki recused herself because she was recently appointed to the VOA board.

Megan Starr, the county’s housing resource coordinator in Public Health, told commissioners the county first contracted with Volunteers of America in February 2024 and renewed the agreement after the prior contract expired in June. Starr said the county kept VOA outside the most recent NOFA cycle to maintain stability in the coordinated entry system while staff implemented improvements.

Starr described operational changes since VOA took over: a call center accessible through 2-1-1 that allows callers to complete a vulnerability assessment and receive referrals; a new trauma-informed vulnerability assessment aligned with Northstar priorities; and prioritization of the most vulnerable households for housing support. She said the average phone wait time to complete an intake has dropped to about two minutes and that “hundreds of households” have completed assessments under VOA. The county receives monthly data reports and quarterly updates from VOA staff, Starr said.

Commissioners praised the emphasis on data and responsiveness. After discussion and a roll call on recusals, the board approved the miscellaneous agenda motion to accept the VOA contract and a separate miscellaneous item (a personal services agreement with Facet Northwest) with Commissioner Janicki recused. The vote was recorded as passed; the meeting record indicates the motion and second were made and the motion carried.

Why it matters: coordinated entry is the county’s front door for shelter, permanent housing and prevention resources; stabilizing that system can change how quickly residents access services. Starr said VOA’s work reduced wait times, improved data reporting and introduced a vulnerability tool intended to match Northstar priorities and trauma-informed practices.

Details and related items: during miscellaneous items the board also ratified a personal services agreement with Community Action of Skagit County to staff and operate a 10-unit family development center (compensation not to exceed $196,495) and approved an amendment to a Community Development Block Grant subrecipient agreement that increases compensation from $63,000 to not to exceed $65,841.51. Those items were moved and seconded along with the VOA contract; Janicki recused herself from the VOA vote because of her recent VOA appointment.

The contract renewal keeps VOA as the coordinated entry operator through the next year; specific contract maximums and reporting schedules are handled in the county contract documents referenced during the meeting.