Navigating out of homelessness is a significant challenge, and maintaining stable housing can be just as daunting. However, it is achievable, says Linda Autore, CEO and President of Laurel House, an organization that offers housing assistance to individuals facing housing insecurity and mental illness.
“Sometimes people come to us in real distress. We help them build the skills they need to cope and maintain daily living,” Autore explained.
Finding appropriate mental health care and housing is possible, provided individuals know where to seek help. This is a challenge even for other nonprofits, Autore noted during a recent mental health panel hosted by the Housing Collective in Westport. The event aimed to connect nonprofits with resources from medical providers.
Housing Insecurity and Mental Health
Local nonprofit leaders have observed a growing need for comprehensive services addressing the intersection of housing insecurity and mental illness. An analysis of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data from last year revealed that a greater share of the homeless population now suffers from severe mental illness compared to the pre-COVID-19 era.
A 2020 study published in the BJPsych Bulletin found that while people with mental illness are not more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, homelessness can exacerbate mental health issues. Suicides are more common within the homeless population, and poverty can both cause and worsen anxiety and depression.
Raising awareness of available housing and health services in Fairfield County, where home prices have surged by nearly one-third since 2020 and rents have increased by an average of 22%, is increasingly crucial.
“We face the same issue as anyone in Connecticut: the cost of living and the lack of an appropriate inventory of apartments,” Autore said.
Organizations like Laurel House assist people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity by connecting them to apartments that accept Section 8 vouchers, which are currently in short supply.
Building Community
Many nonprofits in Fairfield County struggle to connect clients with the referrals they need. Jessica Kubicki, Chief Innovation Officer at the Housing Collective, a Bridgeport-based housing advocacy group, is working to address this issue.
“We focused on networking before and after the event,” Kubicki said. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve heard about clients struggling with their mental health even after securing housing, and providers feeling unsure about which housing resources to access.”
Resources in Fairfield County:
The Housing Collective for Opening Doors Fairfield County (ODFC): A Bridgeport-based collective advocating for affordable housing solutions.
Norwalk Community Health Center: A nonprofit healthcare facility providing affordable medical care for the uninsured, and also accepting insured patients.
Bridge House: A Bridgeport-based organization offering various services for people suffering from mental illness, including housing support.
Laurel House: A Stamford-based organization providing services for people suffering from mental illness, including housing support.
Local Mental Health Authority / DuBois: A Stamford-based mental health service provider run through the state’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
For more information and assistance, individuals and organizations are encouraged to reach out to these resources to support those in need.
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