MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – Manhattan, Kansas, is making significant strides in addressing the mental health needs of its homeless population through collaborative efforts by local agencies.
The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) reports a consistent number of calls related to homelessness and mental health, averaging around 900 calls annually concerning mental illness, with approximately 35 involving homeless individuals. Additionally, 30 to 50 percent of inmates in the RCPD jail are affected by mental illness. When officers respond to these calls, their priority is to ensure the individuals receive the necessary help.
“We reach out and work with Pawnee Mental Health, Be Able, and our victim advocate to identify resources for these individuals, aiming to avoid recurrent crises,” said Brian Peete, RCPD director.
Pawnee Mental Health Services, which serves ten counties in the region, offers care to anyone who seeks it. Their wrap-around model involves comprehensive support, including medical assistance, recovery help, and case management. While not a homeless shelter, Pawnee provides a program for individuals with severe mental illness who require housing.
“For those with severe mental illness who wouldn’t fit in a shelter, we offer support tailored to their mental health needs. They stay in our program for about 90 days until they are stabilized and ready to reintegrate into the community, with continued case management and support,” explained Mike Rezkalla, CEO of Pawnee Mental Health Services.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 500,000 individuals were identified as homeless in a 2022 survey, with 21% experiencing mental illness—a 16% increase since 2020. Be Able, a local organization in Manhattan, provides essential services to the homeless community, focusing on maintaining a calm and safe environment.
“We spend time allowing individuals to be in a safe space, assessing and triaging as needed to address mental health issues. Often, during a mental health crisis, individuals may retreat, and it’s our job to monitor and support them,” said Stephanie Grynkiewicz, volunteer coordinator for Be Able.
Be Able has observed a rise in homeless individuals experiencing mental health crises, surpassing the level of support Manhattan can provide. Access to services is crucial for improving these individuals’ well-being, and the collaboration between city partners is vital.
“We are very committed to access and collaboration with community partners. We recognize that homelessness is a growing challenge nationwide, and we work diligently with our partners to provide more access to services,” Rezkalla emphasized.
Be Able operates Monday through Saturday, offering a community hub where individuals can escape extreme weather and find a safe environment.
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