Creating Resources for Homeless and Substance Abuse:
What is Needed in Your Neighborhood?
Jackie Phillips
Psychology, Post University
HSV203 – Introduction to Counseling Professions
Unit 7 Assignment: Demystifying Mental Health
Richard Six
Due Date: 11:59 pm EST Sunday of Unit 7
Assume the role of a community provider and make your pitch for a new outreach program.
Instructions: Propose a new community outreach program designed to improve perceptions of mental health. Design your outreach program to target a specific group and pitch your idea to your organizational leaders. Select a specific target population as the audience for your outreach program. This can be based on age, occupation, ethnicity, geographical area, or any other relevant demographic.
1. First, provide an overview of your chosen target population and why it is important to address mental health misconceptions within this group.
Homeless individuals living in Alameda County who also have substance abuse needs. The group is called Those in Need Outreach. There will be stations set up around the county where information about substance abuse and homelessness will be available to hand out. Here are some statistics:
- Substance abuse is a significant factor in homelessness: A survey by the United States Conference of Mayors found that 68% of cities reported substance abuse as the primary cause of homelessness for single adults.
- High prevalence of substance abuse in homeless populations:
- Research indicates that approximately 1/3 of people experiencing homelessness have issues with alcohol and/or drugs.
- Estimates suggest that 38% of homeless individuals abuse alcohol, and 26% abuse other drugs.
- A UCSF-led report revealed that 65% of people experiencing homelessness reported using illicit drugs regularly at some point in their lives.
- Substance abuse can be both a cause and a result of homelessness: Substance abuse can lead to home loss, while the stress and challenges of homelessness can lead individuals to turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
- Increased risk of overdose: People experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of overdose from illicit substances. A Boston study found that overdose is a leading cause of death among homeless adults, with opioids being responsible for over 80% of these deaths.
- Co-occurring disorders: It's common for homeless individuals to have both substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Up to half of homeless individuals with mental illness also experience a co-occurring substance use disorder.
2. Outline the main goals of your outreach program. What are you hoping your program will achieve?
Outreach programs addressing homelessness and substance abuse aim to connect individuals with needed services, improve their well-being, and ultimately help them achieve stable housing and a path to recovery. Key goals include building trust, providing access to resources, promoting harm reduction and long-term recovery.
1. Building Trust and Relationships:
- Outreach workers aim to build rapport and trust with individuals, often meeting them "where they are" – in the street, encampments, or other locations where they are accessible.
- This involves being non-judgmental, empathetic, and demonstrating respect for individuals' dignity.
2. Connecting with Resources:
- Outreach programs help individuals navigate systems, connecting them with essential services like housing, healthcare, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and employment opportunities.
- This includes providing information about benefits, applying for assistance, and connecting individuals with appropriate specialists.
3. Addressing Basic Needs:
- Outreach teams often directly address immediate needs by providing food, hygiene supplies, and basic necessities.
- This helps to stabilize individuals and make them more receptive to longer-term support.
4. Promoting Harm Reduction and Recovery:
- Harm reduction strategies, such as needle exchange programs, can help individuals reduce risks associated with substance use and increase their chances of recovery.
- Outreach teams also work with individuals to develop stabilization plans, addressing the various challenges of homelessness and substance abuse.
5. Fostering Long-Term Stability:
- Outreach programs aim to connect individuals with permanent housing options, including supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs.
- This includes providing ongoing case management and support to help individuals maintain housing and achieve long-term stability.
3. Describe the activities and strategies you will use to create a positive view of mental health. Include details on any workshops, seminars, support groups, informational campaigns, or any other relevant activities.
A variety of activities can be part of an outreach program for homelessness and substance abuse, including:
1. Workshops and Seminars:
- Training for professionals: Organizations like the National Alliance to End Homelessness offer training on addressing homelessness and related issues. The Homeless and Housing Resource Center offers courses on topics like trauma-informed outreach and engagement, specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.
- Skill-building workshops: Programs can offer workshops on topics like relapse prevention, coping skills, and life skills development to help individuals maintain recovery and stability.
- Informational seminars: Seminars can educate community members and service providers about homelessness, substance abuse, and available resources.
2. Support Groups:
- Peer support groups: Facilitated or peer-led groups can offer a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and support each other in recovery.
- Family support groups: Support groups for families of individuals experiencing homelessness and substance abuse can provide education, resources, and emotional support.
3. Informational Campaigns:
- Public awareness campaigns: Raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and substance abuse can reduce stigma and encourage support.
- Disseminating resources: Providing information about available services, such as health centers, treatment programs, and housing assistance, is crucial.
4. Outreach Activities:
- Street outreach: Teams can engage with individuals experiencing homelessness to build relationships, provide immediate support, and connect them with resources like shelter and treatment. The San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT) provides an example of this approach.
- Case management: Providing ongoing case management helps individuals navigate the complexities of accessing various services and supports.
- Referrals: Connecting individuals with appropriate treatment programs, housing options, and other services is essential.
5. Other Activities:
- Housing assistance: Providing access to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing is critical for stability.
- Substance use disorder treatment: Offering screenings, assessments, and referrals to various treatment programs, including inpatient and outpatient options, is vital for recovery.
- Trauma-informed care: Recognizing the prevalence of trauma among individuals experiencing homelessness and substance abuse and incorporating trauma-informed approaches into all aspects of the program is essential.
4. Explain how you will implement the program. Be sure to include the resources you will need and the partnerships you will develop with local organizations and/or other stakeholders
To establish an effective outreach program addressing homelessness and substance abuse, several types of workshops, seminars, support groups, and informational campaigns are essential.
Workshops and Seminars:
- Trauma-Informed Outreach and Engagement Training: Educate staff and volunteers on working with individuals experiencing trauma, often intertwined with homelessness and substance abuse.
- Harm Reduction Training: Equip participants with strategies and resources to reduce the negative consequences associated with substance use, such as providing access to clean needles and overdose prevention training.
- Housing First Approach Training: Introduce the Housing First model and its principles of providing immediate housing without preconditions, followed by supportive services to help individuals maintain stability and address substance use.
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery Support: Provide information and education on available treatment options, such as detox, inpatient/outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment.
- Mental Health Services Training: Enhance understanding of mental health challenges and how to connect individuals with appropriate mental health services and support.
- Cultural Competence Training: Ensure staff and volunteers are equipped to work effectively with diverse populations experiencing homelessness and substance abuse, respecting cultural backgrounds and differences.
- Job Preparedness and Life Skills Workshops: Help individuals develop skills needed for employment, managing finances, and accessing community resources to support long-term stability and recovery.
Support Groups:
- Peer Support Groups: Facilitate connection and shared experiences among individuals recovering from substance abuse and/or homelessness, promoting mutual support, encouragement, and mentorship.
- Mental Health Support Groups: Provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their mental health challenges and connect with others facing similar experiences.
- Substance Abuse Recovery Support Groups: Offer a structured setting for individuals to maintain sobriety, address relapse prevention, and build a supportive community.
Informational Campaigns:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the wider community about the complexities of homelessness and substance abuse, reducing stigma and promoting empathy and understanding.
- Resource Navigation Campaigns: Provide accessible information about available resources, including housing programs, healthcare services, treatment options, and support groups.
- Harm Reduction Awareness Campaigns: Promote safer practices and access to harm reduction supplies and services to reduce the risks associated with substance use.
- Success Story Campaigns: Highlight the positive impact of outreach programs and recovery efforts, inspiring hope and demonstrating that recovery is possible.
By implementing a combination of these workshops, seminars, support groups, and informational campaigns, an outreach program for homelessness and substance abuse can effectively build trust, engage individuals, and connect them with the necessary resources and support to achieve long-term recovery and stability.
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