County hopes new plan for addicts beats crossing its fingers (01/17/2018 Herald article)

County hopes new plan for addicts beats crossing its fingers

The former work release building in downtown Everett will be repurposed as a diversion center.

EVERETT — The teams of social workers and sheriff’s deputies who venture into the homeless camps sprinkled around Snohomish County’s rougher edges go there in search of fleeting moments.

The teams try to convince those struggling with drug addiction and mental illness that people do care and that help is available, if only they are willing to take that first step.

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