Anessa Williams serves as the FCS Supportive Housing Program Manager for Eastern Washington at the Health Care Authority. In this role, she plays a key role in supporting agencies and providers who deliver supportive housing services to individuals and families. Previously, Anessa worked in a Program Coordinator role at Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, developing the Area Agency on Aging’s area plan, a report detailing the characteristics and needs of Public Service Area 11 in Washington State. This involved conducting many focus groups and community forums across Eastern Washington, and creating a plan to address the concerns of individuals living in those communities through prioritization of funding, and new projects and initiatives including a targeted immunization plan and workforce development. Additionally, Anessa supported the work of the Spokane Area Dementia Friendly Community to help people living with dementia and their care partners participate in the community through partnerships with the libraries, parks, museums, and symphony.
In her role as Eastern Washington’s FCS Supportive Housing Program Manager for the Health Care Authority, Anessa ensures that Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is delivered with quality and fidelity in accordance with the SAMHSA evidence-based practices. This involves conducting PSH fidelity reviews, facilitating collaboration among internal and external parties, influencing supportive housing policy and program evolution and creating resources, tools and materials for service recipients, agencies and stakeholders. Anessa is happy to any engage with any staff, teams, or agencies who interact with supportive housing services. Anessa also provides technical assistance and training to agencies contracted with Amerigroup for Foundational Community Supports as well as to the BH-ASPs, MCOs, Community Behavioral Health Agencies, Housing Service Providers, Coordinated Entry Programs and other stakeholders.
Anessa has a BA in Sociology from Central Washington University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on non-profits from Seattle University. Anessa is from the Seattle area originally, but currently resides in Spokane, WA with her husband, sons, and animals. In her free time, Anessa enjoys being in nature and reading.
Anessa endeavors to utilize her education and professional and lived experience to uplift agencies and staff so that they may serve clients with equity, cultural competency, and a person-centered approach.