Project Summary:
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems will create and formalize a collaborative network of homeless service providers in order to increase capacity in Athens and surrounding counties to provide accessible, effective, comprehensive, coordinated/integrated, and evidence-based treatment & recovery support services. The program will incorporate licensed clinicians, case management, peer support services, zero-barrier mobile medical care, direct housing support, job training and employment assistance, direct childcare assistance, and other critical services to persons who are experiencing homelessness with substance use disorders, or co-occurring substance use and mental disorders living within Athens-Clarke and four surrounding counties: Jackson, Barrow, Oconee, Walton, and Oglethorpe.
Strategies/Interventions:
The program will incorporate a collaborative approach centered within Advantage housing and homeless outreach programs. Coordinated screening and assessment of needs will guide service delivery and linkage to care within expanded housing and support services. Trained clinicians will deliver evidence-based substance use and co-occurring mental health treatments within community and residential settings. Trauma-informed and person-centered care will be the underlying foundation of programming. Peer supported wrap around services will be provided to ensure a comprehensive range of services based upon assessed need. Additionally, direct linkage to housing supports, mainstream services such as Medicaid, TANF, and SNAP programs, and employment training programs will inform client level outcomes for the program.
Project Goals:
1) Increase access to housing supports and expand service coordination activities for individuals experiencing homelessness
2) Expand outreach and engagement activities to individuals and families living in unsheltered housing conditions
3) Enhance direct service supports for individuals and families experiencing homelessness