Through our experience, we know that unhealthy living situations can have a profoundly negative impact on psychiatric health. We also know that housing choices for people disabled by a mental illness are limited by income as well as stigma, discrimination and other factors. “In 2002, people with disabilities were priced out of every housing market in the United States.” Indeed, in our own community, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority is no longer taking applications for the Section 8 program. Expanded housing supports are needed to help people access, move into, and maintain decent and affordable housing.
Navigating health care and benefit systems is an exceptionally difficult task which is made even more daunting by the onset of a serious mental illness. Disastrous effects occur when people do not receive assistance – we regularly encounter people who are going without necessary medication and food. Further, interventions with employers, educators and other community resources can make the difference between successful or unsuccessful reintegration. Expanding advocacy support is critical to the continued success of the growing membership of the Carriage House.
Members utilize the crisis intervention services at the Carriage House to identify and get help using appropriate levels of support. Many times, this means deescalating a situation and making sure other out-patient supports are accessed. Sometimes this means helping members get inpatient care. Without this assistance, members risk over-utilizing expensive hospital care, or worse, not getting the emergency help they need.
Over the last year, the Carriage House has more than doubled the number of individuals for whom we are the primary source of community support. This has created a need unparalleled in our history.
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