Skagit County Considers Transitional Housing Conversion

Officials weigh plan to transform detox facility into short-term housing for those in recovery

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Skagit County officials are considering a plan to convert a county-owned detox facility in Burlington into transitional housing. The current detox program is moving to a new facility in Sedro-Woolley, leaving the Lila Lane space available. The county sees an opportunity to use the space to provide short-term housing for people coming out of treatment or jail as they wait for more permanent housing options.

Why it matters

The proposed conversion aligns with the county's 2024 strategic plan objective to provide additional transitional housing. It aims to address the need for safe, substance-free environments to support people in the early stages of recovery.

The details

The county's current detox facility on Lila Lane in Burlington is operated by Pioneer Human Services. With the detox program moving to the new STAR Center in Sedro-Woolley, the county is considering repurposing the Lila Lane space for transitional housing. This short-term housing would support individuals coming out of treatment or jail as they wait for more permanent housing solutions.

  • The detox program is tentatively scheduled to open the new STAR Center facility in Sedro-Woolley this spring.
  • In 2024, the county added a goal to provide additional transitional housing as one of its Strategic Plan objectives.
  • The county has requested $1 million from the state Legislature in December to fund the conversion of the Lila Lane facility.

The players

Skagit County

The county government that owns the current detox facility and is considering its conversion to transitional housing.

Pioneer Human Services

The organization that currently operates the detox program at the Lila Lane facility, which is moving to the new STAR Center.

STAR Center

The newly built facility in Sedro-Woolley that will house the county's voluntary mental health and addiction treatment services.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is a need for safe housing for people coming out of jail, detox programs or treatment while waiting for a more permanent solution - like a long-term recovery housing placement or other permanent housing option.”

— Andrea Harrison, Public Health Communications Coordinator (Bellingham Herald)

What’s next

The county Department of Public Health has a work session scheduled with the county Board of Commissioners on March 23 to further discuss the idea, including sharing rough estimates of facility reconfiguration costs and ideas for an operating model.

The takeaway

By repurposing the county's detox facility into transitional housing, Skagit County aims to provide a critical bridge for individuals in early recovery, supporting their transition to more permanent housing and long-term stability.