MOUNT VERNON — Since moving out of homelessness and into Martha’s Place, Earnest Russell is sober, going to school and making positive changes in his life. 

Russell shared his story during an Oct. 16 ceremony that included Bishop Eusebio Elizondo blessing the 70-unit building in Mount Vernon, operated by Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.

Developed by Catholic Housing Services, Martha’s Place provides permanent supportive housing for people in Skagit County who have experienced homelessness. The residence offers round-the-clock staff and support, focusing on long-term stability.

Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo blesses Martha’s Place Oct. 16. The 70-unit building providing permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless is a project of Catholic Community Services/Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington. (Photo courtesy of CCS)

“It’s a great model,” said Margi Conant, a resident service coordinator at Martha’s Place

Every resident at Martha’s Place “has a unique story,” she said. Some of them knew each other “from their other neighborhood — the streets,” she said, and now they are forming a community with a roof over their heads.

Martha’s Place is the first permanent supportive housing development in Skagit County, according to a county news release issued when the building opened in April.

“We believe every person has the right to a safe, affordable place to call home,” Will Rice, agency director for CCS’s Northwest region, said in the release.

According to CCS, Martha’s Place became a reality with funding from the city of Mount Vernon, Skagit County and the Washington State Housing Trust Fund, along with low-income housing tax credits issued by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

Gov. Jay Inslee visited Martha’s Place in June during a tour of the Skagit Valley. To the right of the governor, those pictured include Jose Ortiz, CCS Latino regional network builder; Will Rice, agency director for CCS’s Northwest region; and Father Paul Magnano (at back), a senior priest who serves parishes in the Skagit Valley. (Photo courtesy of CCS)

And “the community support is amazing,” Conant said. “The building is being carried on the shoulders of a lot of people in Skagit County.”

The CCS staff collaborated with regional parishes and volunteer groups to help provide items the residents would need for independent living. As opening time grew near, students from nearby Immaculate Conception Regional School donated their time to prepare the studio and one-bedroom units for residents; younger students created greeting cards to welcome them, according to goskagit.com.

“Homelessness affects every community, big or small,” Mount Vernon Mayor Jill Boudreau said in the April news release. “What a gift it is to provide hope, healing, and stability to our most vulnerable neighbors.”