How Mental Health Housing Came to Be

 

 

 

After attending several treatment programs for my mental illness and substance abuse; for the first time, I contemplated that life was no longer worth living. The feeling of acceptance that I craved must have triggered something. Out of the blue, a voice came to me and said, "Have I ever steered you wrong?" I told that voice, "Ok, I trust in you, and I'll see this through."  

 

 

 

While at the last treatment program, I came in contact with an individual also attending this facility. We began to have a conversation about where he was going to go after treatment. He stated that "He was homeless." The doctors at this treatment center are responsible for any actions stemming from your mental health for 48 hours after release. He tells me, "They are putting him in a hotel for two nights, then he's on the street." 

 

 

 

This young man was 19 years of age. According to him, his family turned their back on him. He stated that his father was upset with him for some reason. Those details are unknown. Before this conversation, he had been to the hospital twice for having seizures. Having seizures wasn't abnormal for him. So, as he and I discussed the possibility of him becoming homeless, I felt virtually helpless since I couldn't do anything to help him. It was a challenge to console this individual with positive thoughts because he would be homeless again after 48 hours of being released from the treatment—no wonder these places' doors are constantly revolving.

 

 

 

 I thought there was something that had to be done. I figured this was what that voice was trying to let me know. God has your purpose ahead. Then, I came up with the idea of Mental Health Housing.