supported housing
The Front St. Housing Support Team (HSTeam), in collaboration with the Front St. Housing Management Department, provide mental health support services and assistance with property management with a focus on skill development, symptom management, wellness and recovery.
The program opened in 1994 in response to a significant shortage in housing for mental health consumers who had successfully completed a social rehabilitation program. Individuals who had gained the skills necessary to live in their own apartments or shared housing units faced a number of obstacles preventing them from actually doing so, including a lack of psychotherapeutic support to maintain themselves in community housing, a lack of available affordable housing, and insufficient funds for first and last months’ rent and difficulties maintaining landlord-tenant relationships. Front St. Inc. Supported Housing services assist the community in closing these gaps to successful long-term independent housing.
Individuals considered for supported housing typically demonstrate the following characteristics:
- able to manage and follow prescribed medication routine,
- manages activities of daily living (ADLs) independently,
- requires minimal crisis intervention,
- is prepared to live in a single or shared unit, and
- is committed to maintaining independence
housing support team
Services provided by the Housing Support Team are guided by the principal that individuals with serious mental illness can live successfully in integrated community settings when individualized supports and services are provided. Services foster and promote the values of recovery and resiliency through an emphasis on a strength-based approach while addressing the person's physical, mental, and emotional needs in an integrated and culturally competent manner.
Front St. Inc.’s Director of Community Services supervises the Supported Housing Department. This full-service team includes licensed practitioners of the healing arts (e.g. LMFT or LCSW), occupational therapists, housing support coordinators, peer supports, and nurses. The team provides ongoing case coordination, medication support, occupational therapy, and assessment and selection of tenants. Other core functions include skills building, outreach to engage clients in services, assessing individual needs, arranging support services (such as money management, benefit programs, and job training), monitoring medication and use of services, and advocating for client rights and entitlements.
Housing Support Office
303 Potrero St.
Suite 42-101,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
housing management department
The Housing Management Department is responsible for locating, leasing and managing property. The Housing Manager interfaces between the residents, property owners, the Housing Authority and other sources of rental subsidy. The team coordinates and oversees building maintenance issues to ensure the health, safety and overall well-being of the residents.
The Supported Housing units secured by Housing Management are located throughout the County of Santa Cruz. All tenants living in supported housing units are consumers within the Santa Cruz County Mental Health System of Care. Units are typically shared and range from one to six bedrooms per location.