Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center has announced the opening of an office for in-person support in Bremerton, the latest move in its expansion of services into Kitsap County.

The nonprofit has served Pierce County residents affected by sexual assault and abuse for nearly 50 years, but the Tacoma-based organization began offering services to the Kitsap area after the closure of Kitsap Support, Advocacy and Counseling last summer.

Rebuilding Hope has been offering crisis intervention, referrals, telehealth trauma therapy and “general, medical and legal advocacy” through its 24/7 helpline. Now, the organization says Kitsap residents will have access to in-person support for the first time since KSAC’s closure.

“Opening our doors in Bremerton means that Kitsap County victim-survivors now have even more access to the healing services that they deserve,” Rebuilding Hope executive director Carlyn Sampson said. “Our team worked hard to open this space as quickly as possible, and we’re proud to have accomplished it in just over six months.”

Rebuilding Hope is also utilizing partnerships with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Special Assault Investigation and Victim’s Services, and Superior Court to provide on-site staff that can provide assistance to victim survivors.

For the time being, the Bremerton location is remaining confidential due to limited staffing—one therapist and two advocates.

“Our foundation approach was to get these positions filled and to get services rolling,” Sampson said. “If we are able to in the next one or two years, I would love to see our staffing model double or triple depending on what the demand and the funding can allow.”

She said they like advocates out in the community, rather than staying in an office.

Kitsap residents in need of help can call the 24-hour helpline at 1-855-757-7273.