In a given year, the homeless population in the United States amounts to 3.5 million people. Forty percent of those are in families with children, according to the 2004 U.S. Conference of Mayors. This program makes a dent in the problem locally. NPI offers permanent housing for homeless families with children in which one member lives with mental illness. The program serves 30 families per year on average, allowing them to stabilize and begin healing.
“NPI was great,” said a former tenant who now works full time and supports her children. “They have a lot of services for people with mental health issues. Everything was right there when I needed it. Instead of knocking on 12 doors to get support, I could knock on one.
NPI also makes sure the family’s basic needs are met while they get started. Mental health agencies treat the individual with mental illness, and work with family members to help build a new, healthier life. The apartments are located near parks, schools and commercial areas for shopping and possible employment. Clients who need additional services will be linked with local resources:
- Substance use treatment
- General healthcare
- Education
- Job training
- Social services for children
This program is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.
