Economic anxiety is pushing more people toward addiction and mental health crises as a key Snohomish County resource is losing $500,000 in federal funding.

EVERETT, Wash — Nearly 60% of Americans are feeling anxious about money, according to new data from the American Psychiatric Association, and in Snohomish County, a cornerstone of the recovery community is struggling to keep up with growing demand amid significant budget cuts.

In 2023, Mike Devore was traveling the West Coast as a comedian. But he was also battling bipolar disorder, which was no joke. The pressures of managing his disorder while supporting his family led to a manic episode that ultimately cost him his home and family.

“It was a whirlwind of chaos,” Devore said. “I was under a lot of stress being the primary person in the family. My business wasn’t doing well. Money was an issue.”

Devore ended up sleeping in a shelter and eventually found his way to Everett Recovery Cafe, which offers support groups, one-on-one coaching and resources for people dealing with addiction, trauma and mental health issues. The cafe served more than 800 people in 2025, with numbers increasing roughly 10% every year. 

Now the cafe is facing a crisis of its own. Executive Director Kyle Roscoe says the organization is losing $500,000 in federal funding. The most pressing need: $100,000 to maintain current service levels.

“Addiction, depression, suicide, all of these problems are on the rise and we have a decrease in funding at places proven to make an impact,” Roscoe said. “We’ve got to turn it around.”

The nonprofit has launched an online fundraiser to bridge the financial gap. 

The cuts are part of a broader wave of reductions. Last year, the Trump administration cut $160 million in federal grants for mental health, substance use and public health in Washington state alone. The Washington State Health Care Authority says 200 contractors and providers have stopped working across the state.

Rising rents, food costs and health issues are taking an emotional toll on residents throughout the region, making the timing of the cuts especially difficult for those who rely on services like Recovery Cafe.

Devore now works as a crisis responder, helping others navigate some of the same struggles he once faced. He says he’s grateful for those who have helped him along his journey to recovery.

“I can only focus on what I have in front of me and Recovery Cafe is what I have,” he said.