CHW has available a number of housing options for individuals with more severe and chronic mental illness. These housing options are different based on the level of need someone has to be successful in living within our community. Some individuals don’t need a huge amount of support to maintain community living, while others require daily or hourly support. Determining an appropriate match between an individual’s needs and preferences and the available options is a key aspect of a case management function.
Supportive Housing is only available to individuals that are open to CHW and eligible for these services. Some options include:
Real Choice loan program
This is available to Adult CHW enrollees to help pay for one-time costs associated with their housing. Loans are made to cover housing, deposit and move in costs, utility expenses and others. Decisions are made by a consumer led committee.
Bay Apartments I and II
These are supported housing options available for mentally ill adults developed by CHW and Columbia Care services. Bay Apartments I are small studio apartments available as a housing option for up to 18 months. Case management services, skills training and other services are available onsite by CHW and Columbia Care staff during the days, evenings and weekends. A trained apartment manager is also available onsite. Residents are expected to actively participate in their treatment plan. Regular meetings are held to review and update progress. Bay Apartments II is a permanent housing option consisting of 1 and 2 bedroom units. This program is eligible for use of HUD vouchers. Priority may be given to individuals transitioning out of Bay Apartments I. Admission decisions are made jointly by Columbia Care and the CM Program Manager.
BayBridge Apartments
It is a 21 unit HUD project designed for individuals 18 years and older with Chronic Mental Illness. The project is owned by Specialized Housing Inc and is managed by Grand Management. Applications are available in the Forms Folder of the Shared Drive. There is typically a lengthy wait list.
Pony Board and Care
It is a one-story, recently remodeled home located in North Bend, OR that offers room and board services for up to 4 eligible adults who have a severe and persistent mental illness. This program is transitional Supportive Housing for Coos County referrals where staff support and services are provided to prepare individuals for independent living. Room and board services are provided 7 days a week and include the following supports: meal preparation (breakfast, lunch and dinner), cleaning services, skills training, medication dispensation (an attempt to give or encourage the individual to take their medication in the morning and again in the evening), and 24/7 on-call staff for emergencies.
Rental Assistance Program
Columbia Care’s Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is designed to help clients obtain independent housing in the community. Clients who qualify for the program have a diagnosis of serious mental illness and are stepping down from higher levels of care. Support is provided throughout the entire process to help clients obtain and maintain housing. Staff work with clients to determine their specific housing seeds, identify potential properties, communicate with landlords and help complete the required documentation. Staff also assess the client’s resources, provide assistance with fees, deposits and other expenses. Rent subsidies are provided to the clients from a combination of Columbia care and CHW funds. Once a client is placed in housing, Columbia care provides ongoing support. Coordination and assignment of RAP supporting housing occurs weekly in CHW’s Adult Outpatient integrated meeting.