Cristian Madrigal is driven by a passion for addressing the housing crisis in our community. “It’s always been the work I’ve wanted to be a part of, and there’s a big need in our community for housing resources. I want to do my part to help my community as best as possible,” he shares.

Since joining CFTH in July 2024 as a Housing Coordinator, Cristian has directed his dedication to impactful work through the Clark County Jail Reentry Program. The Reentry Program provides voluntary resource referral and connection to eligible incarcerated people prior to release from jail, through collaboration with local organizations and nonprofits. These resources, including housing assessments facilitated by CFTH, lay the groundwork for a safe and stable community.

Although CFTH has partnered with Reentry since 2015, CFTH identified a gap in connecting vulnerable people to resources post-release. Through pilot funding from Carelon Behavioral Health, Cristian developed an innovative program to identify vulnerable people in the jail who had been homeless prior to incarceration. Cristian meets with people to address housing instability before release, and collaborates with Reentry staff and community organizations.

Cristian’s work addresses the most crucial barrier to successful reentry: stable housing. Having the foundation of housing allows people to build stability and address other challenges, such as mental health and substance use recovery. “Housing is the foundation for everything,” Cristian explains.

Every day, Cristian works to connect incarcerated people experiencing homelessness with housing solutions and services, meeting each person’s unique needs. “It’s about meeting people where they are, and giving them the tools they need to succeed,” he says. By fostering relationships and building trust, Cristian helps people experiencing homelessness set goals as they release from jail and navigate the housing resources necessary for long-term success.

CFTH’s work in reentry and housing, led by dedicated staff such as Cristian, creates meaningful change. We transform lives and strengthen our community as a whole by bridging gaps and removing barriers to housing solutions. Because of your continued support, CFTH is able to continue providing community leadership, advocacy, and practical solutions to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County, Wash.