The people with whom [Heritage] deals ... are at the bottom of the housing ladder; people whose lives are on the edge of disintegration; people trying day by day to beat the disease of alcoholism, or mental illness, or substance abuse. That is our clientele. … Without government assistance to house this population, they will be in everyone’s backyard, and in their parks, and under their highways, and in their train stations.
And housing is only the first step. They need counseling. They need individual support. They need treatment.
… for this country to remain great, it must deal with and find a way to use the great potential this large disadvantaged population represents in terms of manpower (personpower), diversity and creativity.
- Ana Pereria
In addition to our Scattered Site Supported Housing program, Heritage also owns and/or operates housing facilities that provide long-term/permanent housing for individuals (with a history of long term homeless shelter usage) living with and recovering from mental illness. Once placed in one of these facilities, Heritage staff members conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s needs, resources, and aspirations, and then work with the client to create an individualized service plan that is unique to that client and addresses both their strengths and challenges. Residents in these facilities receive support in maintaining their apartments and minimizing the effects of their illness. A wide range of supportive and rehabilitative activities are provided in these settings, including group and individual counseling, substance abuse counseling and support groups, vocational training and work readiness supports, recreational activities, and advocacy training and activities.