The YMCA of Greater Seattle, Accelerator branch, has been selected by Tacoma Housing Authority to provide services for Arlington Drive, a new 58 unit rental housing facility for young adults (aged 18 – 24) experiencing homelessness in Tacoma. This is the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s first expansion of social services into Pierce County, which is supported by the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

Tacoma Housing Authority hosted a groundbreaking celebration event on January 4 at Eastside Community Center in Tacoma, just down the street from the site of Arlington Drive. Nearly 300 attendees had the opportunity to hear from elected officials, young adults experiencing homelessness, and partners in the project.

Aaron Fox, Director of Young Adult Services for Accelerator Y spoke at the event. Aaron's passion for this project goes beyond his 10+ years working in housing at the Y - he is also a born and raised Tacoma resident and lives on the Eastside, where Arlington Drive will be built. In Aaron's remarks, he noted: "I could not be more excited to bring my housing and services experience from the Y in King County to the community I have belonged to my whole life. I feel like I understand the needs of this community and this project addresses one of the biggest needs we have: supporting our youth and young adults experiencing housing instability."

Highly trained staff from Accelerator Y will provide evidence-based intensive case management services, adopting the YV LifeSet model that has been used in King County for youth aging out of foster care. Arlington Drive will also include housing case management, mental health services, chemical dependency services, and on-site resident management to provide wraparound services for residents. Arlington Drive is scheduled to open in spring/summer of 2020.