Mental
Health Association in New York State, Inc. |
Community Connections, Spring 2003Need
for Supported Housing Grows in Essex County The Mental Health Association in Essex County, Inc.'s (MHA) Supported Housing Program assists many consumers living in their own apartment and paying their own housing expenses. The MHA provides a housing stipend to pay a portion of their rent. This enables the consumer to put money towards other expenses or needed items for the apartment. The consumer applies through the Single Point of Access Committee process. A Single Point of Access referral form, along with a "SPOA" release provides information to the Supported Housing Coordinator and the SPOA Coordinator to contact the consumer for housing information. The stipend is calculated and the person is placed on the waiting list. Openings are few, but there is an opening eventually, and the SPOA Committee decides which consumer will be placed in Supported Housing, based on a need priority. Shopping for what is needed is a step towards making a home, and a step towards self-sufficiency. Sometimes a new environment is just what a consumer needs to start on the road to recovery. A consumer who wishes to relocate or move can receive help with finding a new apartment or house to rent. MHA provides a security deposit to the landlord if the person is eligible. The Supported Housing Program takes pictures to show the general condition of the dwelling at the time of occupancy and completes a checklist on each room to note repairs that must be completed. It can be difficult to have a satisfying life when money issues keep someone strapped. As rent prices continue to escalate, the requests to the Supported Housing Program have doubled. The Supported Housing Program is another resource for a consumer to turn to for help. The obvious outcome of the Supported Housing Program is that when a consumer can make a place their home, and can pay their bills, it goes a long way towards promoting recovery. posted 6/13/03 |