January 02, 2006

Housing for people who have Schizophrenia

A difficult issue for many people with schizophrenia is housing (outside of family-provided housing, which is frequently impossible or very challenging). Today there is a good story on this topic, and how it is successfully being addressed in St. Louis. Perhaps groups (like NAMI) could use this as a model housing programs in other cities and countries.

Following is a short excerpt of the story. Click on the link at the bottom for the full story:

At this time last year, Daniel McCormley, a tall man with a shock of white hair and piercing blue eyes, was hearing voices and had frostbitten toes and no home.

This year, McCormley, 51, is healthy, taking medication that relieves the symptoms of schizophrenia and has an apartment.

He credits a St. Louis group that works with the mentally ill, Places For People, for the changes.

"Psychiatric hospitals didn't work. Analysis didn't work. Places For People worked," McCormley said.

He said he tried to make a career in the film or music industry before becoming ill 28 years ago.

Experts say a major factor in Places For People's success is its emphasis on getting the mentally ill into housing even though they are not taking medication and still use drugs and alcohol. This year, the agency helped 30 homeless people leave the streets.

See Full Story: Group helps mentally ill rebuild lives: :Places For People


Comments

The article said the people in the program may be on street drugs and off presciption meds. It is hard for people on their medicine to live with people who are off medicine. Most patients housing programs require patients to be on their meds.

Posted by: Robert at January 4, 2006 06:56 AM

I think it is down right discusting how the state of california go above and beyond to make sure the illegal immigrants from mexico have a place to live and money in their pocket and multiple other things, but has no care or concern for the people who suffer from schizophrenia.

Posted by: Tammy at January 8, 2006 01:19 AM

What about permanent housing for the schizophrenic with a history of drug use and violence?

Posted by: Ava Sarafan at January 21, 2006 09:46 AM

I need a residential program for a woman 29 diagnosed schizophrenic. Ten years care by individuals and programs with medications etc.No danger to others but yes, to herself. Evictions from living alone. Needs program. Father has funds to pay if he could find a home for her.Please respond.

Posted by: alison lewis at March 16, 2006 09:49 AM

mother is a diagnosed schizophrenic will not take meds and lives alone in alabama. i reside in texas and need suggestions on what to do when she will not take her meds and has an episode. please help. Maybe a once a day care giver?

Posted by: Ylonda Burnhart at June 18, 2006 08:03 PM

My brother in Lamesa , Texas is 39 years old and has had schizphrenia since he was 18 years old. He has been living with my mother who is now 66 years old. My brother has violent tendencies and is very verbal abusive. My mother can no longer regulate his medication. He has tired to overdose twice this month of September. My mother can no longer care for him and I live have little children in my home and I can not have him living with me. Is there help out there for my brother???

Posted by: Amy Byrd at September 16, 2006 07:54 PM

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