Why we’re different

Our mission is to:

• Develop housing opportunities for adults recovering from chronic mental illnesses
• Provide a network of support services so that each person can live as independently as possible
• Advance understanding of mental illnesses and the need for supportive housing

Program Overview

Housing Options offers two distinct programs: Residentialand Non-Residential. Both offer the professional services provided by the Housing Options service team, but only clients of the Residential Program receive affordable, permanent housing in agency owned or leased apartments. More than 80 percent of residents have been in the program for at least two years, and more than 20 percent have been in program for at least ten years.

Residential Program

The Supportive Housing Program provides a safe, dignified alternative to homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization by offering residents permanent living arrangements in agency owned or leased apartments coupled with supportive services.

All Housing Options residents have low incomes and many were homeless before entering the program. Residents participate in a wide range of activities: approximately 30 percent hold full- or part-time jobs; others volunteer for community organizations, participate in the arts, take classes at local colleges and universities, or attend therapeutic day programs.

Non-Residential Program

In 2006, Housing Options began serving individuals who live independently in the community. The Non-Residential Program provides ongoing social work, psychiatric, mental health, rehabilitation and case management services as well as job coaching, life skills training and recreational and socialization activities to people recovering from mental illnesses.

Eligibility

Housing Options provides affordable housing and support services to adults recovering from mental illnesses. The agency operates all programs in keeping with its core values:

• People recovering from mental illnesses should live in an environment that enables full realization of individual potential for independence.
• People recovering from mental illnesses should have the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the full range of community life.
• People recovering from mental illnesses have a right to make life choices within the same parameters as all members of the community.
• Differences among people are a source of strength for the community.

To qualify for a Housing Options program, applicants must:

• Have a mental illness and
• Be in need of supportive housing and/or mental health services.