This single family home was originally envisioned as a transitional home for very low income, schizophrenic adults. A new medication was making it possible for people who had been institutionalized all of their lives to live free of the symptoms of schizophrenia. The property, located near Chartley House, a long-term care facility owned by Seattle Mental Health, was seen as a stepping-stone out to the community. After a period of developing new independent living skills outside of Chartley House or Western State Hospital, the tenant would move on to more independent living.

In practice, the residents of Hope House have been very comfortable, and quite resistant to moving on to other more independent housing. The tenants continue to enjoy their life in a nice suburban area of Auburn, within easy walking distance of shopping and their friends and support systems at Chartley House.

After a long period of tenancy, medical issues forced three of our tenants at Hope House to move into nursing homes, two of whom passed away. Because their rooms had not been renovated in quite some time we took the opportunity to do so, as well as to completely rebuild one of the bathrooms. Those vacancies have been filled and we are looking forward to another long period of stability for these mentally ill tenants.

Mental Health Housing Foundation is seeking funding to replace the driveway at Hope House, which represents a safety hazard to our residents. If you would like to contribute, please see our Donations page for information on how to contribute to MHHF.