City of Berkeley issued the following announcement on Oct. 28
Complete an online survey by November 1 to help us imagine new ways to meet the mental health needs of our unhoused community - specifically, those not served by existing services.
Berkeley Mental Health is seeking new ways to build on our long legacy of targeted services for homeless individuals. Outreach workers, intensive wraparound services, and mobile crisis teams have benefitted many, but unmet needs remain among Berkeley's 1,100 unhoused residents - 49 percent of whom reported psychiatric or emotional problems.
We know that many of these individuals are eligible for existing programs but choose not to engage in them. We're looking for new strategies to meet their needs.
Share ideas for new services in online survey by November 1
We're asking our community to help us identify new ways to provide mental health support to some of our most vulnerable residents. Share your ideas online by 5pm Sunday, November 1.
We hope residents will join us for this important conversation.
We have seen that when homeless individuals engage with mental health services, their lives often improve through obtaining housing, decreased criminal justice involvement, improved physical health, and increased income. By helping us identify new ways to meet these needs, all Berkeleyans can play a role in improving the health, wellness, and stability of some of our most vulnerable residents. In turn, this enhances the well-being of our entire community.
Leveraging State and Federal resources to support Berkeley's unique needs
As one of only two state-funded Mental Health agencies that aren't counties, the City of Berkeley receives funds for services more tailored to our needs. This funding, known through the acronym MHSA, has in the past supported:
- a Homeless Outreach and Treatment Team, which provides outreach, supports and linkages for individuals who are homeless and have mental health needs
- an expanded Mobile Crisis Team, which pairs mental health professionals with police officers to respond to mental health crises
- high intensity treatment teams providing wraparound services for those with high levels of need
Survey will inform use mental health service innovation funds
This survey does not address how to create more housing or expand existing services.
The survey will be used to help inform how we use state funds for innovative mental health services. This funding source can only be used for new mental health services. Services funded must be different than what has already been provided in the mental health system.
Please share your ideas, and complete the survey by 5pm Sunday, November 1.
Original source can be found here.
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