Program Spotlight: Permanent Supportive Housing
Photo: Aleksandr Kichigin via Canva.com. To honor the privacy and dignity of those we serve, FrontLine Services does not share client photos or identifiable stories.
The road to mental health recovery is not a straight line. It takes many twists and turns, with success looking different for every person. When an individual’s condition changes, FrontLine staff do not give up but look for additional ways to support those who are struggling.
Arthur came to FrontLine 10 years ago after living in various locations, including friends’ homes, shelters, and sleeping on the streets. FrontLine’s outreach team helped Arthur move from the streets into Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) where he was stably housed for eight years with ongoing supportive services.
PSH serves single adults and families experiencing chronic homelessness, substance use, and/or mental health illness in Cuyahoga County. PSH provides housing, case management, and behavioral health services to individuals like Arthur to sustain their independence and housing.
Two years ago, Arthur attempted to reduce the delusions and paranoia he experienced from his schizoaffective disorder by using synthetic marijuana. Unfortunately, it exasperated his symptoms, making him more violent and paranoid and diminishing the effect of his prescribed anti-psychotic medication.
After a year of using synthetic marijuana and attempts by staff to help him gain insight into how this was negatively impacting him, Arthur became more paranoid and combative, hurling insults at staff and antagonizing his fellow residents. When he stopped caring for himself and his unit, leading to cockroach and bedbug infestations, staff knew they needed to take a different approach and work with him to find another solution.
Arthur’s program manager, Molly McGann, introduced Arthur to the idea of moving to one of FrontLine’s Safe Haven houses. The Safe Havens, nicknamed “The Houses of a Thousand Chances,” are small group homes for individuals who need more intensive support around independent living skills and medication management. Arthur agreed to talk about the idea, but wouldn’t commit to moving to a new home. Safe Havens’ program manager, Dan Wutsch, met with Arthur multiple times to explain how Safe Haven would support him and address any concerns he had until Arthur felt ready.
Concerned about the bug infestations, Arthur couldn’t travel in a vehicle, and had to leave everything behind but the new clothes on his back. Worried that Arthur wouldn’t get to Safe Haven on foot alone safely, Molly walked with him for half an hour, stepping over ice patches and bracing against the winter wind until they safely reached his new home at the Safe Haven.
Once Arthur got settled into Safe Haven, his condition almost immediately stabilized. Despite this being a big change, Arthur has integrated well into his new housing thanks to the compassionate work of the Safe Haven staff. He now has the support he needs to remain housed and address his behavioral health challenges effectively.
“We want people to have options. So even though a housing placement didn’t work for you, we will do whatever we can to make sure you have other options to avoid homelessness,” said Rebekah Wiland, Permanent Supportive Housing Associate Director.