The Need
individuals with an SMI designation experienced homelessness
in the past year
7,812
of the SMI population on the housing waitlist have been waiting for stable housing for more than six months
50%
of the unsheltered population in Pima County suffer from mental illness
38%
The current system for supporting individuals with serious mental illness misdirects funds. Instead of investing in long-term, permanent housing and comprehensive care, government resources focus on short-term solutions aimed at achieving independence—a goal that is often unattainable. This leaves many without the necessary support, resulting in a cycle of hospitalization, imprisonment, temporary housing, and homelessness, especially for those without caregivers.
Measuring Success and
Lifting Expectation
We want to create an environment where those living with SMI see their value, have a supportive community, are encouraged to find work and can create stable lives for themselves. Independence is not always possible, and many need the continued support we intend on providing with a permanent shelter. Our federal and state governments have had over 60 years to build an appropriate safety net for the seriously mentally ill. Instead, they offload the ones who need help the most and are least able to speak for themselves. Do we believe there’s a better way? Absolutely!
Friends and Family
Serious Mental Illness is an isolating experience. Those living with SMI struggle to build and maintain relationships because of their disability and the cycle of treatment and housing. Moreover, many people are hesitant to interact with those with SMI. When someone gains a level of stability in permanent housing, they are able to build lasting friendships that enrich their lives. The system discourages family intervention and care. We want to help family members connect with and care for their loved ones living with SMI. Having a permanent shelter alleviates some of the burden family members might feel when caring for loved ones and can improve their relationships. Many don’t have family members, they are completely alone and isolated. Our home will give them the opportunity to make their own family.
Employment & Entreprenuership
Only 13% of those with schizophrenia are employed in Arizona. Having a purpose is important for every person, and someone living with SMI rarely has the opportunity to find that purpose. Having the stability needed to find and keep a job is vital for those with SMI and their continued growth. They have skills and talents that are unique to them that they can bring into a work setting. We want to empower them that they can work, that they have something to offer, and that having a job is a privilege. Volunteers will work with residents to find jobs that fit their skillset and have a healthy working environment.
Mentorship & Counseling
Because many men living with SMI have been in an endless cycle of treatment, hospitalization and unhealthy housing environments, they have little to no life skills that are second nature to others. Volunteer mentors will lovingly work with residents to teach and improve life in all areas including managing finances, physical health and wellness, grocery shopping and meal planning and more. Mentors encourage those with SMI that they can build routines and live fulfilling lives despite their disability. We all need to process our thoughts and emotions with the help of others sometimes. For someone struggling with SMI this is especially true. They may be battling delusions and voices that overpower their own thoughts. Counseling with certified counselors helps them sort what is true and what is not. Counselors provide encouragement and wisdom that those living with SMI need and desire. Counselors help set goals, evaluate progress, help manage conflicts, help them know how to be a good friend and build friendships and identify areas where growth is still needed.
Faith Community
Everyone needs a community where they feel valued, belonging and love. Faith is a cornerstone of many people’s lives and is often overlooked when it comes to people living with SMI. For example, “according to one study of outpatients with serious mental illness in Los Angeles, more than 80% reported that they used religion to cope with their illness and 65% indicated that religion helped reduce the severity of their symptoms” Residents are encouraged to build relationships with those around them in a judgment-free environment in a local church. Through our partnership with a local gospel-centered church, P82 offers connection to community, discipleship, opportunities to serve, and most of all, hope.
Arts, Leisure and Hobbies
Music, art, entertainment and hobbies are something we all take for granted. People living with SMI rarely have access to the arts because they are simply surviving. When their physical, spiritual and emotional needs are met and they gain a level of stability in a permanent home, they are able to enjoy creative things and find hobbies that engage their minds and help them feel grounded.