“I like the chemistry that I have with my therapist, he is really patient with me and we bounce off each other really well.”
“I get to be honest about my feelings. You don’t always have that chance with most people.”
“Having someone consistent and reliable when I want to talk makes all the difference in my life.”
Mental health is critical to overall health. That’s why our Young Adult Supportive Services (YASS) program supports young people experiencing homelessness through both housing AND mental health services.
This mental health Awareness Month, we spent some time with YASS participants and staff discussing why mental health services are so important. While the participant comments above are enough to inspire our team, we believe there is something more to combining mental health and housing services. Increasing access to mental health services provides a proactive approach where young people can utilize our services early in life, rather than as a response to a crisis.
“Once we know people have the safety and security that comes with a home, we can then connect them with a whole range of services,” says Gloria Johnson, YASS Team Community Health Worker. “Once you have that home, then you can focus on your mental health.”
Approximately 30 percent of all people experiencing homelessness are younger than age 24. The trauma of homelessness, even short term, can have a major impact on a youth’s mental health and future development. Heartland Alliance Health therapists understand this impact, which is why they continue to provide care even after an individual has moved on from our housing services. People like Senior Mental Health Practitioner Ben Mengebier remain committed to the health and success of participants for years to come.
“We match up with our participants and stay with them all along their journey,” Ben said. “We want to support them every step of the way. “
Of course, mental health is directly impacted by other quality of life standards – and so we continue to build wrap-around services for individuals – giving them the opportunity to address substance and alcohol use disorders, other health needs, and employment.
Most importantly, we recognize the need to provide strengths-based care – and help individuals access the treatments and programs they find most necessary.
“We are a community that respects people’s identities, and I think this work is all about building a framework that values community development and care,” says Danny Meloy, Manager of Clinical Operations. “That’s how you help people thrive.”
Housing is healthcare. Mental health is health. When you combine these two philosophies, you come up with the YASS program – and years of growth and sustainability for Chicago youth.
