As humans, we’re wired to connect. We have a deep need to be heard and acknowledged by our community, especially in times of vulnerability. Research repeatedly reinforces that social connection is essential to our health. It leads to a range of benefits from lowered blood pressure, improved outcomes for dozens of diseases, and even decreased mortality—all from positive relationships with friends, family, mentors, and even community based workers. Without it, we struggle.  

The HealthierHere Community Hub is grounded in this scientific principle: social connection leads to better health. When people come to the Community Hub, they find connection first and assistance finding resources. The Community Hub’s community based workers (CBWs) speak more than 30 languages, represent diverse communities, and a wide range of lived experiences. They have deep knowledge of local resources and experience navigating them. Our goal is to connect every client with a CBW they can relate to—whether that’s through a shared language and culture, or a shared experience, like being an immigrant or having gone through the foster care system.

I think what's so special is that clients can find a CBW that will meet their needs, their cultural needs, language needs. It makes it easier to build trust with clients when they can speak with someone with a shared background.
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–Jennifer, Community Based Worker at WithinReach

Imagine living without connection and needing support. Let’s imagine, for instance, a young man, who we’ll call Gabriel. He’s been living in a friend’s van for several months after exiting the foster care system at the age of 18 with a disability. On and off jobs pay for food and basic needs, but he’s largely alone, making it an incredible struggle. There is no soft landing. 

He could use help figuring out where and how he can get support. By connecting personally with a community based worker who’s gone through the foster system, he can build trust. He learns that he can apply for disability benefits. But that requires filling out forms, talking with government case managers, keeping appointments, and figuring out multiple bus lines to get there. For someone with his disability, it can be overwhelming. A community based worker can help him along this journey and build on his strengths.

The Community Hub journey is tailored around the needs of the client. Communication between a CBW and client might be in-person or over the phone. Support might look like a list of resources and some coaching, or it might be the client and CBW, sitting side by side, filling out a form together. This flexible, social and client-driven approach builds rapport, establishes a personal connection, and builds trust. 

People can really just call us. They have a need - we can help them for as long as they need it. We can meet people where they are at.
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–Noe, Community Based Worker at WithinReach

With someone like Gabriel, it might be phone conversations, a wait for the bus together, or walks to his benefits appointments where a community based worker builds trust and conveys: “Yes, I am here. You are not alone in this.” 

In an ideal world, Gabriel will receive the disability benefits for which he is eligible. His CBW will help him learn where to get help with food and to try to find housing, and where to go for healthcare, outside of the emergency room. He’ll come to know that other people are on his team, available to connect with and support him.

This kind of support is being provided to thousands of King County residents through the HealthierHere Community Hub – and it is changing lives.

Part of the Community Hub model is empowering clients to be able to advocate for themselves as they navigate accessing food, financial or housing assistance. The goal of the Community Hub is to deliver a sense of security, so that clients feel empowered, and can take confident steps toward achieving their goals. As a result of this focus, clients are better set up for success when they decide they no longer need the Community Hub’s support. 

We can guide them, be in touch with them, listen to their stories, hear them speak their heart out and be a support to them.
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–Ankita, Community Based Worker with Living Well Kent

When resource navigation puts social connection at the center, it changes lives. Research findings at the national level show statistically significant reductions in emergency department visits for both Medicaid and fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries who’ve participated in a Community Hub model of client-centered resource navigation. In King County, the HealthierHere Community Hub has supported over 9000 clients to navigate health and social care resources that support their health and well-being.

This tangible impact is the result of community. It’s what all people are wired for, and what is foundational to being human and healthy. And that’s what the HealthierHere Community Hub is all about. 

Learn more, refer a client, or sign up at www.healthierhere.org/communityhub

Explore other stories of connection and impact in HealthierHere’s 2024 Annual Report.