*All videos are Closed Captioned on Youtube*
We found Tamala* in uninhabitable living conditions. She had been homeless for many years and was separated from her husband in attempts to find suitable living. She had been trying to get in contact with her husband and buy a ticket to North Carolina where her husband had settled in with housing and a job.
When we brought Tamala into our program, we were able to provide her a safe environment which allowed her the opportunity to focus on her priorities. Tamala had food, shelter, clothing and medication during her transition.
Care Coordinator Elizabeth was instrumental in assisting client with reconnecting with Tamala's husband. Elizabeth also assisted Tamala in buying a bus ticket online, and helped her pack a backpack with food, clothing and instructions about the bus routes.
Tamala has been reunited with her husband, and she's also enjoying the company of a new puppy.
*The name of the client has been altered to protect the client's privacy.
We recently welcomed Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to the Respite, Rehabilitation and Re-Entry Center.
HOUSTON, October 1, 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of individuals who are homeless and have mental illnesses. It is not only the unhealthy conditions on the streets that make the unsheltered homeless “at-risk” to COVID-19; most suffer from underlying, chronic health conditions. An estimated 15-25% of individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Harris County and the greater Houston area suffer from severe mental health issues making it difficult for city, county and local partners to quickly assist and house them out of harm’s way. Social distancing requirements have also reduced homeless shelter capacity. These extremely acute individuals have a large impact on first responders and hospitals by routinely requiring emergency intervention. These individuals increase the risk of COVID-19 exposure to first responders and the community
Javier* was referred to the Respite, Rehabilitation and Re-Entry center by the Coalition of the Homeless. He had experienced chronic homelessness for over 20 years, and also faced substance abuse challenges and bipolar disorder.
Jail Re-Entry Program: Mr. Simon* is an Iraq War veteran who was referred to us by Brothers in Arms, a program assisting veterans at the Harris County jail. Shortly before Mr. Simon was released, we offered him a bed at our new Jail Re-Entry program during the time Veterans Affairs coordinated permanent housing for him. Mr. Simon was admitted to our program on Jan. 11 this year.
Carla* came to The Harris Center's Peer Re-entry Program in 2019 while she was at the Harris County Jail. She struggled with substance use and felt overwhelmed not knowing how to begin her journey to recovery. She was eager and willing to make the necessary changes, but needed help.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will host a forum where community leaders will discuss housing opportunities and challenges minority groups face. Evelyn Locklin, The Harris Center's Director of Emergency Services and Residential Programs, will participate in the forum.
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The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD strives to provide high quality, efficient, and cost effective services so that persons with mental disabilities may live with dignity as fully functioning, participating, and contributing members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay based on a sliding scale rate schedule. Privacy Statement Contact Us