“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members"
Loretta Scott King
Dedicated to create innovative, permanent,
affordable, quality housing solutions for those
living with a serious mental illness
A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization
Ann Arbor, MI
Our First Housing Design: Community Village
An intentional community where those with a mental illness live side-by-side with those committed to supporting others.
What is intentional Housing?
Intentional housing is people deciding to live together – in our case, in the same building – because they share values, goals or a common purpose. Physical space is designed to foster natural interaction and a sense of community. Residents commit to the community by participating in decisions and activities. Residents with no mental illness receive reduced rent (no more than 30% of their income and always below community average) to serve as mentors, social models and de-facto teachers through their frequent interaction with those who need support. Interactions may be socializing, serving pasta, working the front desk, teaching a skill, playing video games, helping someone with cleaning or cooking, etc. They are never formal therapists; they are caring neighbors. They receive training before joining the community.
Why this model?
People with mental illness vary in many ways. Symptoms are different with each person and the most effective treatment and medication will also depend on the person.
What does seem to be universal, is the desire for social acceptance, friendship and engagement with others. Unlike people with physical disabilities, autism, etc. those with a mental health illness often do not view one another as peers. Some enjoy friendships with one another (like in Clubhouse environments) but others only want to engage with fully functioning individuals. Many do not view their problems as a mental illness at all.
For a great majority, the illness isolates them from most of the community. Their mannerisms, lack of social insight or the stigma of the disease often scares people away.
The negative effects of medication or ramifications of the disease itself can create apathy and low energy which also make social encounters difficult.
Community Village addresses social needs by using a modified social
practice model. This includes:
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A positive regard and empathy towards people
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Offering a sense of purpose
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Encouraging activities that give a sense of accomplishment
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Structuring housing so that everyday life cultivates a feeling of community and safety
What Makes Us Unique?
Most housing models are not designed to facilitate socialization with people who are fully functioning in the community.
Scattered housing provides potential for socialization. However, barriers include mental health discrimination (described earlier) and the unfortunate reality that people with a mental illness are vulnerable to exploitation.
Housing that is only for low-income people may have built in socialization opportunities (community center activities) but may still feel isolating if everyone has some need or problem.
The best example of successful intentional communities that include people from all walks of life, are mental health residential treatment centers. At Gould Farm, https://www.gouldfarm.org/ one of the first
treatment centers, guests (patients) and helpers (staff) live and work side-by-side and develop relationships. Through these relationships, the work to keep the farm going, fun activities and medical treatment, people with a mental illness improve.
Nearly all residential treatment housing is meant to be temporary. If long term, it is very expensive.
Living in Community Village would be an excellent alternative.