DATE:
April 9, 2024
05
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTING A PILOT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE SUPPORT TO PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS AT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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OVERVIEW
It is estimated that 21% of the homeless population suffers from a Serious Mental Illness (SMI). We have made great strides at the County to move forward on projects to provide housing for this population. As we continue to work to reduce homelessness in our region, we must ensure that we are providing quality services to our most vulnerable populations.
SMI is a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits major life activities. Placing individuals with SMI in environments ill-equipped to meet their needs not only undermines their potential for success but also poses risks to both their well-being and the broader community. Individuals with SMI require a high level of care and support and we strive to ensure people receive the support they need. When we make a commitment to stakeholders that we will offer "wrap-around services" we must ensure that they are truly wrap-around- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
No Place Like Home (NPLH) is a State program that?funds the development of permanent supportive housing for persons who are in need of mental health services and are experiencing homelessness, chronic homelessness, or are at risk of chronic homelessness. There are 19 affordable housing developments throughout the County, either currently operating or in development, that include NPLH units.
To ensure the success and sustainability of these developments, it is imperative that we institute a policy requiring all affordable housing developments with NPLH units to have personnel on-site, 24/7, who are trained in Mental Health First Aid, and have knowledge and the ability to directly contact the County's 24/7 behavioral health crisis services. Addition...
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