Lifeline, a support system pilot project in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Homeless Youth, embodies what SDMC is all about.

SDMC was selected through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) that was published in November of 2022. The program will serve as a no-wrong-door access point for support and connection to services for individuals in Washington who require assistance to overcome a life challenge that could escalate into a crisis if not addressed.

The Co-Design Institute will guide our approach to this work rooted in a commitment to designing with the people affected by programs and services instead of relying on the “for the people” method that’s been used in the past.

The Lifeline program will reduce barriers to accessing the services and support young people need to secure and retain housing. The hotline will provide a concierge-level experience that connects youth to supportive services and identifies and removes gaps and barriers in services that can result in them becoming unhoused. The hotline will ensure that case completion only occurs when the concern is resolved and those barriers or gaps are removed.