One family at a time
Newsletter issue #1
Imagine young adults living on the street … … where they are exposed to poor health conditions and to people who exploit them in many ways. Their education or training is compromised through irregular attendance, no place to do homework and many distractions.
That’s why we launched a project to support the mentally ill. The project, Homes to Heal, is focused on rent support for mentally ill young adults who have completed an intense treatment program and are ready to integrate into the community. They are ready to complete their schooling or training, return to the work force and dream of a future with a family of their own.
Supportive housing for young adults and families is one way of breaking the cycle of homelessness. Without breaking the cycle of homelessness and addressing mental health issues, the demand for more housing will increase every year as we have seen in the past years.
Just as important, young adults need safe homes so that they can concentrate on managing their mental health issues and reintegrating into the community. They need this to develop a healthy life style, live in a safe environment, and experience a sense of dignity and self confidence.
That’s why Homes to Heal has been launched in Vancouver. It give people an opportunity to become more informed about the needs of people suffering from mental illness, It also encourages everyone to advocate for safe and affordable homes for the mentally ill and support them through a donation towards affordable housing for the mentally ill.
Let’s make it happen … one young adult/family at a time.
Joan McCreath
Editor
Homes to Heal Newsletter
joan.mccreath@shaw.ca

