Problem Homelessness caused by mental illness is a big concern in the world, but especially right here in the Ozarks. More than eight hundred people are homeless in the Springfield area (Community Partnership of the Ozarks, 2013). Among those eight hundred homeless individuals 38.7% report having a chronic illness such as, heart disease and cancer (Community Partnership of the Ozarks’, 2013). Another 25% of homeless individuals reported having a physical disability (Community Partnership of The Ozarks, 2013). The rate of illnesses and injuries among the homeless community is three to six times higher than the average person (Community Partnership of The Ozarks, 2013). For many individuals with a mental illness it is hard to keep a job.
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They offer affordable housing, temporary housing, permanent housing, and a program called keeping your home. Affordable housing is targeted for people with mental illness or other disabilities, homeless people, low-income individuals, and older adults (Mental Health America, 2016). Temporary housing includes homeless shelters like Salvation Army Harbor House, a homeless shelter in Springfield, and transitional housing programs (Mental Health America, 2016). Permanent housing includes licensed care homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, group homes, and supported housing (Mental Health America, 2016). Supported housing is a service that places individuals with a mental illness in a variety of living arrangements where they may or may not live with other individuals who have mental illnesses (Mental Health America, 2016). This program integrates these individuals into the community. Families who have no consistent job, behind on their bills, and at risk of eviction are eligible for many states programs to help keep them in their homes, one including Home Affordable Modification Program (Mental Health America, …show more content…
There are many amazing programs out there in different states that would really make a difference in the Ozark’s. For example the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which is located in New York, was the first program to target substantial financial resources for the development of housing for the homeless (Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, 2016). Support groups would be great to connect seniors in similar situations. There is many support groups for some mental illnesses, like Alzheimer’s disease, but not for individuals who are homeless and living with other mental illnesses. I believe support groups would benefit these individuals greatly. Being able to talk to another individual who is also experiencing issues with poverty creates an outlet and a feeling of
They offer affordable housing, temporary housing, permanent housing, and a program called keeping your home. Affordable housing is targeted for people with mental illness or other disabilities, homeless people, low-income individuals, and older adults (Mental Health America, 2016). Temporary housing includes homeless shelters like Salvation Army Harbor House, a homeless shelter in Springfield, and transitional housing programs (Mental Health America, 2016). Permanent housing includes licensed care homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, group homes, and supported housing (Mental Health America, 2016). Supported housing is a service that places individuals with a mental illness in a variety of living arrangements where they may or may not live with other individuals who have mental illnesses (Mental Health America, 2016). This program integrates these individuals into the community. Families who have no consistent job, behind on their bills, and at risk of eviction are eligible for many states programs to help keep them in their homes, one including Home Affordable Modification Program (Mental Health America, …show more content…
There are many amazing programs out there in different states that would really make a difference in the Ozark’s. For example the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which is located in New York, was the first program to target substantial financial resources for the development of housing for the homeless (Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, 2016). Support groups would be great to connect seniors in similar situations. There is many support groups for some mental illnesses, like Alzheimer’s disease, but not for individuals who are homeless and living with other mental illnesses. I believe support groups would benefit these individuals greatly. Being able to talk to another individual who is also experiencing issues with poverty creates an outlet and a feeling of