Real Choice Systems Change

TENNESSEE

Grant Information


Name of Grantee

Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities

Title of Grant

Housing within Reach

Type of Grant

Real Choice Systems Change

Amount of Grant

$1,768,604

Year Original Funding Received

2001

Expected Completion Date

March 2006

Contact Information


Gregory Fisher, CMSW
Project Director
Real Choice Systems Change Grant
615-532-4651
Gregory.Fisher@state.tn.us

David Sherman
Administrative Assistant
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Office of Housing, Planning and Development
3rd Floor, Cordell Hull Building
425 5th Avenue, N
Nashville
, TN 37243

615-532-6746
David.Sherman@state.tn.us

Subcontractor(s)

Foundations Associate
Michael Cartwright
615-256-9002

Target Population(s)


Individuals with mental illness who are currently in need of permanent, safe, affordable, quality housing and support service options.

Goals


  • Design and implement a more effective, consumer-directed, and accessible housing resource system for persons with mental illness.
  • Reduce the stigma of mental illness, thereby providing a more welcome environment for these residents in community neighborhoods.

Activities


  • Hire four consumer housing specialists in targeted communities (Chattanooga, Jackson, Memphis, and Nashville).
  • Develop and maintain a housing resource Web site that is accessible statewide and, specifically, through hardware installed in drop-in centers in targeted communities.
  • Facilitate annual week-long housing academy and multiple semiannual housing summits.
  • Develop a statewide anti-stigma media campaign and television commercial spots.
  • Conduct a research initiative to evaluate efforts to meet the housing needs of consumers.
  • If sufficient funds are available, provide for a statewide housing hotline.

Abstract


This project will make a long-term change in housing and support services access for people diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness. All too often these individuals are ostracized, stigmatized, and left to fend for themselves—unwelcome within the communities in which they live. Key project goals include designing and implementing a more effective, consumer-directed, and accessible housing resource system for people with mental illness; increasing the number of persons in quality, affordable housing; and reducing the stigma of mental illness statewide.

Project goals will be addressed through multifaceted activities, including employment of four consumer housing specialists in targeted communities; the development of a housing resource Web site accessible throughout the State; hardware strategically installed at key community drop-in centers to promote access to the Web site; facilitation of an annual week-long housing academy and biannual housing summits; formation of a statewide housing hotline; development of a high-quality anti-stigma mass media campaign; and a research initiative to evaluate efforts of meeting the needs of consumers as they transition to community-based housing and supports.

These activities will result in an enduring change to the state's current mental health housing system by increasing the availability and accessibility of housing resources for consumers and providers, increasing consumer involvement in housing development and their choice in housing decisions, increasing opportunities to live in the most integrated and preferred community setting, and changing community attitudes to decrease stigma and create a more welcoming environment. The grant funds will be supplemented by additional in-kind funding of over $400,000. This modest investment will produce a sustainable change in available community supports that enable individuals with mental illness to live and participate fully in their communities.