Bothell highlights YMCA mental-health partnership delivering early services to residents

Human Services Coordinator Anand Mantri Pragada briefed council on the city's mental and behavioral health services contract with the North Shore YMCA, a partnership authorized in July 2025 and funded through a mix of general-fund dollars and opioid-settlement proceeds. "The total funding amount is up to $500,000, which includes $300,000 from our general funds and $200,000 from our opioid settlement funds," Anand said.

Anand listed contract services: two behavioral-health professionals, one resource navigator, and direct aid (rental and utility assistance). He reported early performance from January through June: 27 Bothell residents receiving behavioral health or substance-use support, four individuals receiving direct financial assistance, six clients engaged with the resource navigator, and 52 community-center visits. YMCA staff told council that 100% of clients who received mental-health services showed progress toward treatment goals in the period reported.

Council members asked whether the $500,000 appropriation is the right level of funding and requested more detail on outreach and budget spend-down. Council member Miles said the program "is very close and near and dear to my heart" and asked whether funding is adequate; Anand replied staff will monitor gaps and return to council if more funding is needed. Council member Dodd asked whether the city is tracking how clients learned about the hub; Anand said the YMCA is tracking referral and outreach channels and staff will follow up with that information.

Staff said the new community hub (the "greenhouse") is expected to soft-open in August or September, with a grand opening during welcome-week activities in September. The contract is scheduled to expire in December 2026 and staff will return to council to discuss a potential two-year extension if warranted.