Living in community can be a powerful factor in pursuing mental health stability. But for many dealing with serious mental illnesses, finding a safe place to live and meaningful, supportive connection with others is especially difficult. According to the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, 40% of individuals experiencing homelessness in Dallas County suffer from severe mental illness (SMI)—eight times more than in the general population.
This has massive implications for those dealing with serious mental health challenges. NAMI Texas states, “The lack of safe and affordable housing is one of the most powerful barriers to recovery. When this basic need isn’t met, people cycle in and out of homelessness, jails, shelters and hospitals.”
Amid the challenges, group homes like Jacob’s House provide a unique form of support for individuals who would otherwise be homeless. Through this City of Dallas-licensed facility, the Well Community provides a safe, stable place to live for up to eight men dealing with serious mental health conditions.
Stability
Instability is a common theme among the many ripple effects of serious mental illnesses. Frequent changes in housing situations, struggles with holding down a job and uncertainty about how to meet daily needs compound the challenges of managing these conditions.
But at Jacob’s House, residents have a safe, stable place to call home and continual access to a network of support. Turnover rates are low, and for most of the men who live there it’s a long-term source not only of shelter but of a sense of rootedness for the long term.
Regular, Nutritious Meals
For many living with serious mental health conditions, access to regular, nutritious meals is an ongoing struggle. An analysis of over 30 studies found that 40% of individuals living with serious mental illnesses experience food insecurity, making them three times as likely as the general population to report a lack of access to affordable, safe and nutritious food.
But at Jacob’s House residents enjoy regular meals that provide not only nutrition but fellowship with others. Thanks to the generosity of donors who give to cover the cost of food and volunteers who prepare meals made with love, food insecurity isn’t a barrier to pursuing mental health stability for the men who live there.
Support in Treatment Plans
Managing life with a serious mental illness often involves juggling appointments with numerous care providers, consistently obtaining and taking medication, getting adequate sleep, navigating benefits and more. It can be a lot to handle on top of dealing with the symptoms of these conditions. But it’s a little easier with support.
The men of Jacob’s House find this support in each other as they come alongside one another in their shared pursuit of mental health stability. And they benefit from the Well Community’s case management services, which help them access resources available to them and overcome challenges in following their treatment plans.
Camaraderie and Friendship
Often, stigma related to mental illnesses can impact those who struggle as much as these illnesses themselves. Discrimination, unkindness and exclusion are common experiences, and misconceptions and fear often cut them off from community with others—community that plays a key role in mental health.
But, as one member of Jacob’s House has said, “This is our home. … We are free to be ourselves here.” Stigma doesn’t exist inside the house, and the men are able to form deep bonds with one another, free from judgement. They’re surrounded by others who understand their struggles and care about them.
Another resident put it this way: “These men are my brothers. We are a family.” Amid the ongoing challenges of serious mental health conditions, this family provides consistent support, belonging and friendship.
The Well Community offers support and shelter from stigma for those dealing with serious mental illnesses. Your gift to The Well will help address underlying issues that lead to housing challenges among these individuals, as well as assist them in taking steps toward stability.