Two Years and Counting: Andy’s Place Provides Hope and Housing to Community Members Living with Chronic Behavioral Health Needs

It’s hard to believe that Andy’s Place has been open – serving as a home and a place of refuge and recovery – for more than two years now. As we commemorate this milestone, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the impact of this center and consider what lies ahead.  

As a permanent supportive housing facility, Andy’s Place is designed for homeless individuals who also experience behavioral health needs. In designing the building, our goal was to create a space that would allow clients to gain their autonomy in a place that felt like home.

By ensuring the 82-unit regional center included individual studios with kitchens, private bathrooms, and all the necessary tools for independence, Andy’s Place sets clients up for successful solo-living in the future. The 10,000 square-foot ground floor, community center, veteran-designated units and additional features all promote a positive recovery experience in an inviting atmosphere.

There have been 120 individuals who have lived at Andy’s Place since it opened its doors. Of that total, 40 have moved out and nearly half, 16, have successfully transitioned to independent housing without supportive services. We have housed 15 veterans at Andy’s Place, too. There are 42 current residents who are engaged in mental health services with a provider, such as being part of the Compass Health PACT program, Compass Health Intensive Outpatient program, Compass Health outpatient program or programs through other service providers.

But Andy’s Place provides more than direct housing – it curates a community. It brings dozens of people together, helps them build relationships, and foster connections. Within Andy’s Place and beyond, the resources offered to those experiencing homelessness and intensive behavioral health challenges are transforming the lives of those who call it home.

A multitude of services are available to meet our residents where they’re at, because recovery is a spectrum. From mental health treatment, peer support, and homeless outreach to housing stabilization and other programs that support residents and connect them to further resources, Andy’s Place aids individuals in thriving as contributing, happy members of their community.

This facility is meant to give to people so that they may give back to themselves and their neighbors; a message with its roots in the name of the building itself. Andy’s Place was made possible because of a significant gift from the Martyn Family Foundation. The name honors Andrew “Andy” Martyn, a family member who struggled with drug dependency, bipolar disorder and homelessness before dying of heart failure in 2016 at the age of 48. Andy’s family felt compelled to be part of this project to help those who suffered from similar challenges as their son.

“It’s thanks to the Martyn Family Foundation and their generosity that Compass Health can provide resources like Andy’s Place to individuals who need assistance on their road to recovery,” said Tom Sebastian, Compass Health president and CEO. “We are so grateful for their support in helping us make an impact in the lives of people like Andy.”

Andy’s Place is just Phase I of the Broadway Campus Redevelopment, which once complete, will bring a full continuum of behavioral healthcare, primary healthcare and permanent supportive housing services to downtown Everett. Phase II – a 72,000 square-foot regional facility for intensive behavioral health services – has begun construction as of 2023 and will be a robust resource right next door to Andy’s Place.

Reflecting on the past two years, it’s difficult to imagine what Everett would look like without the services Compass Health offers for the behavioral health needs of our community. The city can support and help fund more projects like Andy’s Place to continue supporting vulnerable community members, ensuring they have a safe place to stay on their road to recovery, and provide hope to people facing these challenges.