Raising the Roof: Meeting the Housing Needs of Mental Health Consumers & their Families in Contra Costa County

 April 12, 2010

Questions answered during the event:

             1 Can the Mental Health Services Act provide for cooperative living arrangements?

MHSA will fund shared housing, but not in co-op housing

 2.    How long does it take to get into a place like the one spoken of on Clayton road?

I don’t know who has the answer to this question. Someone seeking housing has to call any development that they are interested in and how if they are accepting applications, if there is an open waiting list, or when the waiting list will be open again. The length of time on a waiting list can vary from development to development.

 3.     What is the wait time from first applying to actually getting a response?

How do we find out the place to sign up for disabled housing?  The current wait is 2 years. It’s recommended getting on multiple waiting lists. There are other housing resources. Check the list given.

 4.    Is there an advocate to help us?

Any person who would like peer support and help with learning about mental health services or resources in the community can call the Contra Costa Mental Health Office for Consumer Affairs to speak with a peer. We offer support over the phone, help with resources, and training in self-help and recovery. Our phone numbers are (925) 957-5104 and (925) 957-5149.

 5.    Housing with Service animals, how many units out there?

 Land lords are required to let service animals live in the units.  There should be no place to restrict you from having your service animal.

 6.    If a parent owns a home can they put it under section 8 housing to rent to family member? No, it would be self interest. They would have to accept anyone who holds a voucher. It’s fair housing law, to help prevent from being discriminated against.

 7.    Has Concord been approved for more mental disabled housing? If so how does one get approved for running such housing? What are the steps? Concord Naval Weapons is a collaboration of a few service providers. There are 216 units they are for any homeless family, single adult, youth; there are some dedicated units for MHSA.

 8.    Why can’t the housing that’s already on the naval weapons station be used? Why build more? It is no adequate for anyone to reside in. The location is not ideal, housing needs to be located next to a transportation system. They have negotiated to make sure 260 units are on base and close to transportation system.

 9.    I’ve been living in my car since July last year. How can I get an apartment in Concord for a disabled person? The police have been harassing me for living in my car in Concord. Do I need a permit? Call the homeless program office, they have supportive housing coordinator. Make sure you let them know your specific need and what you’re willing to do. It won’t happen overnight, but there are steps you may be willing to take, in order for you to get help towards getting an apartment. They can assist you. Call  925-313-6124

 10. Why do I still live on $75.00 a year after rent? How do I get good hosing after years?  The government does not let me on a real job for health reasons. For the past 3-5 years after receiving 2 government checks each month, I pay rent, PG&E etc. I have $75.00 for the rest of the month, that is all food, all laundry, I need a haircut, replace any clothes, soap, deodorant. What can I do?  Is there any way to work a few hours only over to try to make legal survival money but not lose any government/medical benefits? I can’t live without them.  Don’t have answers for all questions. Look for other affordable housing on the list provided, every year homeless continuum of care adds 4-6 permanent additional units, for supportive housing you can take your voucher and go anywhere they charge is 30% of your income.  Make sure you are connected to all the benefits your eligible for.  Look into the community resources and main stream benefits for food stamps and more disposable income. The Hawkins center can help you figure out how much you can earn and still receive your SSI

 11. CC Interfaith housing is actively seeking a 2nd project to offer – like the 1st project Garden park apartments, permanent supportive housing. What sources would you recommend to find and locate that site? Talk to people find out where the housing is. Look into foreclosed homes some neighborhoods offer a stabilization program for these properties to be purchased.

Resources provided at the meeting:

 The multi-homeless center can assist in part-time work. You can receive help with managing your benefits, check with the Hawkins Center they are available 5 days a week, and can help assisting with food stamps and guide you to other resources.

•  For MH consumers in the system, talk to your doctor, your case manager.  Your doctor can put your name in front of one of the program mangers and they can put you on a list that are being built and your interest in type of housing.  Lilly Mae will be breaking ground in the next month or so let your case manager know to get on the list.
• If you are at risk of losing your home, there are additional resources for prevention. Call Shelter Incorporated at 925-335-0698
•  County Shelter in community # 800-799-6599
•  Unaccompanied youth Ages 14-21 Access to Shelter# 800-610-9400 that hotline will provide you with transition living program to support youth up to age 25.
•   Check with the homeless on Detroit, (Anka Center) they provide a wide variety of housing options. Go to Wellness and Recovery centers (MHCC) located in Richmond, Antioch and Concord. There are community coordinators that can talk to you and provide you with help.
•   Mental Health will be hiring a full time housing coordinator.

Participant Ideas:

• Please keep funds strong to keep our Leaders live
•   There is a small complex on Grant St next to New Hope International church that looks abandoned but hopeful.
•    Many “homeless” individuals wish to live in a camp style manner. Why not…. Designate land for this purpose? One man’s “camp” is another man’s “homelessness” This is only a band –aid, yet it will work.
•    How about starting a share rental program? And a roommate supportive program
•    When people with Mental illness are employed they are often “at their best” Can we create entry level jobs with less work hours to improve the mental well-being of mentally ill adults? Creating these jobs can make them feel important and valued.

Participant Comments:

•  As in the great depression of 1929 as more and more people became jobless and the US dollar became more useful or “worthless” Living in a conventional dwelling is less and less and option.  Tent camping is a viable option, out houses / port- a- potty’s are less expensive than apartments. Repairing the monetary system or your efforts in vain.
•   I’ve been homeless for 2 years, and I was living in my truck but the Oakley police took it. I am living in a homeless shelter, I could use some help. George 565-4049
•   Are “you” aware that 10-20% of Contra Costa Centre transit village apartments at Pleasant Hill BART are devoted to Section 8 affordable housing?
•    MHSA should get involved with the housing project on Clayton Road which is now on the market for sale. It has 2 houses, 6 units a piece I believe.
•    I have mental health issues and I’ve been homeless for s3 years. I’m staying in the homeless shelter in Concord for 120 days. I’m being put out on the 18th and I haven’t been able to get an apartment. I’m on SSI and I have not been able to find low income housing $845.00 I need a place by myself. (George Wood)
•  Why does the government of the U.S borrow Federal Reserve notes to use as our “currency?” All tax monies collected go to pay the interest on this loaned “money” Article 1, Section 8 of the US constitution says to coin our own money.
•   I have brought with me may ideas and much information about the Contra Costa Centre transit village at Pleasant Hill BART, developed by Avalon Walnut Creek ( (Ralph Hoffmann)
•   I would like to have an apartment to myself. (Larry Abereno)
•   To qualify for myself:

 1.    Detox

2.    90 Day treatment

3.    SSI (Rubicon Attorney)

4.    Transitional housing program a person must get Qualified!  This takes two years. (Age 56 Robert Melton)

•  I am mental and physically ill. I am receiving some care for both, I’m a chronically homeless and currently receiving acute assistance I have lived sad for years. I’m 53 years old and am growing worse. How can I further my case along at the Concord Shelter?  The staff at the shelter needs help.
•   Mental Health Recipient, Vallorie Arias is presently living in a Concord shelter for almost a year. Would love to live in a home.

Questions not answered during the event:

 1.    I’m in recovery why is it most housing is in drug invested areas?

Please see the assisted rental list. There is housing throughout the County.

http://www.ccreach.org/ccc_housing/CCC%202008%20Affordable%20Rental%20Units%206-08.XLS

 2.    What happens to families that are homeless with youth (When it is known) does CPS get involved?  Is there emergency housing to provide ongoing shelter for these families? There are housing vouchers available for short term stays.  They can also be referred to Shelter Inc.

 3.    As a new tax exempt non-profit organization serving transitioned aged youth, what steps do you recommend taking to obtain funding for transitional housing?  (Japera)

Partner with an agency that has experience in housing development and operations. A new agency would not likely be loaned or granted funds for development without prior experience.

 4.    How does a complicated person get help?  Considering the number of barriers that prevent MH persons from accessing or sustaining housing, do you have an algorithm of what an individual in need should do? Case ex- untreated MH and alcohol abuse issues, and anger and violence problems plus criminal history, 0 credit, plus limit ability to follow the complicated system steps to help and chronically homeless. Consumer in our system should always start with their doctor or case manager.  Any of our staff can make a referral to experts in our system based on the person’s needs.

 5.    Shouldn’t my therapist help me with my housing as well as my mental help? I have never been spoken to about housing care. I will be on SSI soon, GOD help me and I need help in many areas concerning my mental health care.  Shouldn’t I be advised by CCMH? Same as number 4 above.  Typically your therapist will not be a housing expert but can refer you to people with expertise both in and out of the organization.

  6.    ANKA owns Phoenix apartments in Concord. The complex houses 11 people with Mental illness at present, and has been very successful for many years. This stable housing has helped keep those people stable. ANKA is selling the complex at the same time that they are applying for millions of dollars to accommodate from 12 to 24 people. This does not make sense. What can be done?

The County cannot speak on behalf of ANKA. ANKA’s proposal is not in conflict with their ability to maintain the reference property.