HERO House NW Announces Major State Funding Reductions Threatening Mental Health Clubhouse Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: HERO House NW Announces Major State Funding Reductions Threatening Mental Health Clubhouse Services

Seattle, WA — May 18, 2026 — HERO House NW has been notified that beginning July 1, 2026, all four of its Washington State Health Care Authority contracts supporting Clubhouse mental health programs will be reduced by $57,629 annually — a combined loss of more than $230,000 per year.

The reductions represent approximately a 30% decrease in state funding for programs that provide recovery-centered mental health services, employment support, community connection, and stability for adults living with serious mental illness.

HERO House NW recognizes the significant budget challenges facing Washington State. At the same time, however, these reductions create an urgent threat to proven community-based services that help individuals avoid hospitalization, isolation, homelessness, and crisis care.

Despite the cuts, HERO House NW remains committed to keeping its Clubhouse programs open and continuing to serve members across Washington.

To protect these important programs, the organization is actively pursuing emergency funding, philanthropic support, public partnerships, and community advocacy efforts to protect services and minimize impacts on members and staff.

HERO House NW is calling on legislators, foundations, donors, healthcare leaders, and community partners to help preserve these essential recovery programs and ensure that individuals living with mental illness continue to have access to safe, supportive communities focused on hope, purpose, and long-term recovery.

Community members interested in supporting HERO House NW’s efforts can visit herohousenw.org or contact our CEO, Kailey Fiedler-Gohlke, at kaileyf@herohousenw.org.

About HERO House NW

HERO House NW is a Washington nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults living with serious mental illness through the internationally recognized Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery support.

Program Contact

Michael Brown, Chief Program Officer, HERO House NW [425-623-6712] [michaelb@herohousenw.org]