Heartland Housing InitiativeThe Mental Health Association of the Heartland has identified the lack of safe, decent, affordable housing as the number one service gap in our community for individuals who are seriously and persistently mentally ill. Heartland Housing (HH) grew from the belief that all individuals deserve safe, decent, and affordable homes. This initiative is solidly based on research and strives to replicate "model" housing and support service programs from around the country.
Accomplishments:
- Best Practices Award from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), May 2002;
- Ranked #1 by the Kansas City Homeless Continuum in the consolidated application to HUD, 1999; and
- Agencies across the U.S. have requested assistance in replicating Heartland Housing.
Program Objectives:
- Research and Replication of "Model" Housing and Support Service Programs for persons with mental illness or who are otherwise disabled.
- Partnerships, Collaboration, and Education: Developing partnerships to 1) increase access to housing, 2) fight stigma through education, and 3) provide information, referral, advocacy, and/or technical assistance to organizations that support and assist persons with disabilities living in the community.
- Rental Assistance: Provides housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons with disabilities.
- Employment Opportunities: Provide training and employment to individuals with mental illness.
Outcomes:
Heartland Housing measures program success by evaluating the following outcomes:
- Residential stability;
- Improved mental health, decreased mental illness symptoms and hospitalizations; and
- Increased social support, self-esteem, quality of life and overall community participation of people with mental illness.
For additional information on the Heartland Housing Initiative, contact James Glenn at 913.281.2221 ext 109 or by e-mail at jglenn@mhah.org.
