Bayside Housing & Services Partners with Discovery Behavioral Health

PORT TOWNSEND, WA — As part of a growing network of support for low-income adults with mental health and substance use needs, Discovery Behavioral Health (DBH) is taking on a new lead role in housing intakes and care coordination—while the JC MASH Free Clinic expands its own services to meet rising demand. Under a formalized Memorandum of Understanding between Bayside Housing & Services (BHS) and DBH, DBH will now conduct all initial housing intakes for residents referred through the partnership. DBH will assess individuals to determine appropriate services, including case management, counseling, and substance use disorder treatment planning. “This agreement allows us to align housing stability with clinical care more effectively,” said Jim Novelli, CEO of DBH. “By leading the intake process, we can ensure individuals are connected to the right level of support from day one.” The expanded coordination also includes on-the-ground support at two key BHS properties. DBH will have case managers on-site at the Woodley location in Hadlock and at the Tower inside the Old Alcohol Plant Hotel, helping improve access to care and streamline services for clients living in supportive housing. “We’ve worked for six months toward this agreement,” said Gary Keister, Executive Director of BHS. “Among the circumstances and conditions that lead to homelessness, our partnership with DBH addresses the most pernicious: that of substance use disorder. Housing stability coupled with treatment services creates the support system needed to make transformational change for individuals living with mental health challenges in Jefferson County.” In response to growing needs, JC MASH is also expanding. The clinic will soon begin offering medical care one day per week at the DBH location—though the day and time are still to be determined, according to Qianna Franklin, Director of JC MASH Free Clinic. Meanwhile, the JC MASH Free Clinic continues to serve the community at its Port Hadlock location, offering counseling services Mondays through Wednesdays from 3:00–5:00 PM, and medical care on Mondays from 3:00–5:00 PM. The broader partnership between BHS and DBH, formalized May 27, 2026, covers multiple housing sites across Jefferson County, including Peter’s Place, Pat’s Place, Bayside Tower, Woodley Place and the Jefferson County Emergency Shelter. To learn more about: Discovery Behavioral Health, visit their website Bayside Housing & Services, visit their website