equiroz@felton.org“I’ve seen people who’ve lost everything embrace recovery and embrace healing. I’ve seen them thrive in all aspects of their lives,” said Elizabeth Quiroz, Program Manager for Felton Institute’s Behavioral Health Bridge Housing at Arrowood (BHBH) program. In partnership with Sonoma County Department of Health Services, BHBH offers 6 to 12 months of interim shelter and specialty mental health services for individuals who are unsheltered and experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Located in Sonoma County, BHBH is an 80-bed transitional recovery and community re-entry, that provides a healing, recovery-oriented atmosphere for those who may also be addressing co-occurring substance use issues. David Evans, Acute & Forensics Section Manager, Department of Health Services, said of the partnership, “We are blending not only the work we’re doing with our community-based organizations like Felton, but we’re also integrating Department of Health Care Services staff, embedding them onsite.” He added, “This is a true collaboration where we’re working together alongside our partners providing these services.”
The program uses a multidisciplinary team approach to meet each resident’s needs. Staff work closely with clients to develop individualized recovery plans that include personal goal setting, relevant education, and connections to community-based resources. Through group wellness activities and mental health services, BHBH provides a structured yet compassionate foundation for sustained recovery. The program is staffed 24/7, offering consistent support and care throughout each resident’s stay.
BHBH’s multidisciplinary approach is paramount in providing care and support for individuals who come from differing backgrounds. Mr. Evans explains that a dominant myth of the unsheltered is that “most people who are on the streets want to be on the streets.” He explained, “a lot of folks end up being on the street for lots of different reasons. It could be because of domestic violence, it could be due to poverty or eviction, other socioeconomic factors, because of drug use, access to services, or equity issues.” Some of Felton’s staff bring their own lived experience to their roles at BHBH. “When you understand the individual, what they’re going through, it just makes you have more compassion, understanding, and empathy when you’re serving this population,” Ms. Quiroz said.
As Felton Institute continues to expand its geographic and programmatic reach to unsheltered individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges, Mr. Evans expressed his gratitude for the successful collaboration. “Felton is a new partner here in Sonoma County, and we’re proud to have them as a part of our network of providers.”
To commemorate this monumental milestone, Felton Institute recently hosted an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming community partners, leaders, and neighbors to celebrate the launch of the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing at Arrowood (BHBH) program. The event marked not only the opening of the facility but also the beginning of a new chapter of healing, recovery, and collaboration in Sonoma County.
For more information about Behavioral Health Bridge Housing at Arrowood (BHBH) program, please visit the BHBH program page or email Program Manager, at equiroz@felton.org.
Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services to transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our award-winning programs, which have been recognized as national models, combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve.
Founded in 1889, Felton is the oldest secular non-profit social services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. We have expanded our services across most Bay Area counties and continue to be at the forefront of pioneering new approaches to meet the emerging needs of underserved populations.
We know what it looks like to successfully build community.
We foster impactful change by strengthening the community as a premiere service provider. We also strengthen other service providers by supporting them in their fiscal, human resources, communications, IT and overall agency operations. With Felton’s support, they are able to focus on providing the best services to their clients, doing the work they were meant to do.
Felton empowers the community and ensures successful outcomes to all we engage with.
Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.