Monday, April 26, 2004

Comparing two models of supportive housing for people who are homeless
Item in CMHA/Ontario's newsletter, Mental Health Notes - "Homeless people with chronic mental illness and addiction issues respond positively when they are provided with independent housing without first requiring psychiatric treatment or sobriety, according to two recent studies. Contrary to the 'continuum of care' traditional service delivery model that requires clients to complete treatment prior to receiving housing, the 'housing first' model provides a direct transition from the streets or psychiatric hospital to an apartment. There are two requirements to the 'housing first' program: the client must pay 30 percent of his or her income toward the rent through a money management program, and must meet with a staff member at least twice a month..."  
  

Mental Health Tuneup (Canada)
Mental Health Tuneup is "a partnership between the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario. The first Mental Health Tune Up event was launched in May 2002. The goal of Mental Health Tune Up is to stimulate interest and awareness in community mental health as the toll of untreated mental illness continues to rise. In the longer term, promoting community mental health will significantly reduce the prevalence and costs of mental health disability as well as the stigma often attached to mental illness."