Mental Illness Homelife Improvements

In 2004 North Coast Community Homes completed construction of an 8-unit apartment building in South Akron. The development of this property was done in part using funds provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care program established to address the problem of homelessness throughout the United States.

In 2004 and early 2005, eight tenants, who were homeless and diagnosed with severe mental illness, moved into their new apartments. Serious problems soon arose and nearby neighbors complained about the continuing problems.

In response to the problems at the Waterloo facility, North Coast Community Homes (NCCH) and Community Support Services (CSS) worked cooperatively over a period of several months. (CSS is the agency in Akron that provides the supportive services for the eight individuals with severe mental illness who live in this home.) Problem tenants were identified and removed from the home. A closed circuit television system was installed to help police the property and staff with backgrounds in mental health services were recruited and hired by CSS to work in the building 24/7.

Gradually things began to turn around. New tenants moved in, and with the support of NCCH and CSS staff these tenants began to take ownership of their home. A resident council was established and now meets monthly to discuss issues and concerns. A vegetable garden was estalished by the tenants and the entire building was repainted with the involvement of the tenants and staff.

Part of the Continuum Care Program requires that goals and objectives be established for each year. Last year the tenants set the goal of making the building more homelike and with the support and assistance of CSS and NCCH staff this goal has been met with the hanging of pictures in the general purpose room and with seasonal decorations and meals provided by an individual who has adopted the building as his personal philanthropic activity.

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