Pivotal Point

New Beginnings for Families, Land

By Erica Rascón on Mar 22, 2017 in People

Each year, more than 4,000 households rely on the services of Everett Housing Authority (EHA) of Snohomish County, Wa. The new Pivotal Point community reflects the importance of new beginnings for residents as well as for the space that they occupy.

Old Site, New Purpose

The site of Pivotal Point is the former Oswald US Army Reserve Center. It closed as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) operation. Rather than sitting vacant, construction on Pivotal Point gave the space a new purpose.

Fulfilling that new purpose, though, took longer than many anticipated. Financing and permits required the approval of numerous governmental organizations and stakeholders.

Ashley Lommers-Johnson, Executive Director at Everett Housing Authority, recalls the challenges. “When you deal with multiple federal agencies, local agencies, the military–it’s just a lot of hands involved in getting all of the funding lined up. That was a significant achievement, getting the funding,” he smiles.

In 2014, the property finally reached completion. Pivotal Point now serves as long-term housing for participants in the Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Snohomish County program. All signs of its military past have been replaced with fresh, modern, and welcoming residential features, in a sense “a conversion from swords into ploughshares,” according to Mr. Lommers-Johnson.

A private entryway and a cozy front porch adorn each of the 20 units at Pivotal Point. Shared stairs leading to the second-floor units open to reveal a courtyard speckled with greenery. In the center of the courtyard stands a protected playground. Parents can watch their children play from the covered benches nearby.

Back on the main level, residents share a laundry facility. The adjacent meeting rooms are used for private and community gatherings.

The project and its design have received national praise. Pivotal Point won the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials Award of Merit as well as the Award of Excellence. The Journal of Housing and Community Development magazine featured the property in its spring 2016 issue.

“It has been an award winner every time we submit it,” says Lommers-Johnson. “That’s a significant accomplishment for our property and the clients that we serve. We’ve been focused on trying to ensure that our properties are viable over the long term.”

He continues, “We like to think of ourselves as a very progressive agency. [Pivotal Point] is a reflection of that.”

One of the Army Reserve’s original office structures remains on the site. After thorough renovation, it operates as a DVS emergency shelter. The building allows DVS to quadruple the amount of families that receive safe accommodations, from 15 beds to 60 beds.

New Hope, New Home

Pivotal Point residents are mostly women and children, survivors of domestic violence who once experienced homelessness. They come to Pivotal Point as they transition between the Snohomish County recovery program and independence.

Pivotal Point units are subsidized through tax credits and the Project Based Voucher program (PBV).  As part of the PBV, residents contribute 30 percent of their income towards rent and utilities. The remaining rent balance is settled through the organization.

The community quickly reached 100 percent occupancy after opening.

“Pivotal Point is still at 100% occupancy,” reports Katrina Tucker, Senior Property Manager of Pivotal Point. “Though our occupancy will most likely change in the near future, as residents exercise their right to tenant-based vouchers when they become available,” she adds.

Pivotal Point continues to be a sought-after community for the special group of mostly women. The services offered in the community make it an ideal place to heal and forge a fresh start.

In light of residents’ precarious situations, resident safety is a leading concern. On premises, a sub-station of the Everett Police Department helps families feel secure. They can also reach assistance through a 24-hour crisis line.

Recovery extends beyond safe housing. A full-time case manager connects residents with the resources needed to heal personally, financially, and professionally. DVS also recruited the services of a legal advocate to assist families with divorce proceedings and any other legal issues that arise.

As with any property, location is key to the success of Pivotal Point. While the precise location is undisclosed, it is situated within walking distance of a local community college. Residents also have quick access public transit. Both features facilitate new opportunities for residents.

“We have several women who are attending college and taking important steps to address the emotional well-being of their families through counseling and other supportive services onsite,” says Tucker.

Fresh Start for a New Generation

DVS Case Manager, Joell Coltrane, has seen services flourish at the property. Each program provides residents with the encouragement and tools needed to press forward with positive changes in their lives.

“Within the last couple of months, a parenting series was offered onsite,” says Coltrane. “Childcare was provided, which led to a great turn-out of residents. The classes were such a success, that there are plans to continue parenting classes. Attendees of the class shared that the most beneficial part of the class was the support that they received from each other.”

Pivotal Point offers programs for children as well. Weekly Camp Fire meetings give youth the opportunity to express their feelings, share experiences, and—most importantly—enjoy the fun and creativity of childhood.

Special attention is given to young boys. In their female-led, single-parent households, positive male influence is often lacking.

“DVS has recently hired a man to work part-time with the boys on the property. Because domestic violence is often generational, they wanted to have a male at the property working one-on-one with the boys, especially those showing aggressive tendencies. They are excited about this new mentor-type program,” says Coltrane.

A Future Without Domestic Violence

Pivotal Point is a bittersweet project. The former Army Reserve site has been repurposed to help victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives. While Pivotal Point offers residents the tools for a bright future, a future without a need for such programming will be even brighter.

In the meantime, Everette Housing Authority and DVS staff standby ready to help. “Our team was just discussing how great it is to see the growth and healing that Pivotal Point families are experiencing,” says Tucker. “It’s encouraging.”

The organizations’ compassionate efforts are already bearing fruit.

“We have several tenants who are feeling healthy and confident to move on with a moving voucher, which will in-turn give new families who are homeless due the effects of domestic violence an opportunity for a safe and supportive place to live,” says Tucker.