Cashmere Library hosts twice-monthly access point for housing support

CASHMERE — Twice a month, a quiet but important service sets up inside the Cashmere Library, offering a starting point for people facing housing instability.

On the second and fourth Wednesdays, individuals ranging from high school-aged teens to adults can meet with staff from the Homeless Housing Network, a Chelan County program that connects people to housing resources across Chelan and Douglas counties.

The next event, on April 22, will be from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. with a bilingual coordinator on hand to assist at the library.

The service, known as Coordinated Entry, is designed to be a central access point. Instead of navigating multiple agencies, individuals can share their situation in one place and be referred to programs that best match their needs.

Staff work with clients to assess their circumstances and connect them with available support, including referrals to housing programs, assistance with documentation such as identification or birth certificates, and in some cases short-term financial help to overcome immediate barriers.

The program also helps connect people to other local services, aiming to reduce the “run around” that can come with seeking help from multiple organizations.

At the same time, staff emphasize that resources across the region are often limited, and many programs operate with waitlists. While immediate housing is not always possible, the goal is to ensure individuals are connected to the right systems and positioned for assistance as it becomes available.

Holding the service at the library provides a familiar and accessible setting where people can begin that process. The recurring schedule allows for consistent access, giving residents multiple opportunities each month to seek help and ask questions.

For those unable to attend in person, the Homeless Housing Network also offers an online intake option at cewenatchee.com and can be reached by phone at 509-436-9086.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media