Broward Behavioral Health Coalition

BBHC is addressing the accessibility, sustainability, and wrap-around supports for persons with mental illness and substance use issues who are experiencing homelessness, at risk or homelessness, or are exiting institutional care and need on-going supports to live independently. Many people we serve cannot afford the high cost of Broward rent without housing/rental assistance programs due to dependency on social security or lack of employment. Few people with serious mental illnesses have access to a home with full tenancy rights and community integration to support their recovery. As such, BBHC is implementing a Housing Initiative to address these issues as part of a state requirement from DCF for all Managing Entities, per Guidance 21 – Housing Coordination.

Purpose

• Increase and improve collaboration and coordination between Managing Entities, Local Homeless Coalitions, Designated Lead Agencies of Continuum of Care Plans, Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC), and other key state and local agencies as they relate to housing-related services;
• Improve access to safe, affordable, stable housing for individuals with mental health and/or co-occurring diagnoses;
• Ensure that individuals receive the necessary support services to be successful in the community; and
• Increase the number of discharges from inpatient care facilities to stable community housing in lieu of discharges to community crisis stabilization units, to addiction receiving facilities, or to placements increasing the risk of subsequent homelessness.

The objective of the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition’s Housing Initiative is to enrich the lives of individuals who are diagnosed with behavioral health challenges and who are experiencing homelessness, at-risk of homelessness, or who are reintegrating into the community from institutional care by making decent, safe, and affordable housing opportunities accessible by working in partnership with Broward County’s Homeless Continuum of Care, BBHC’s service providers, and other community organizations to offer resources, assist with strategic planning, and improve practices intended to remove barriers for those we serve.

To affirm Project SOAR's value and effectiveness as a partner and resource in the field of substance use and mental health services, BBHC sent us a letter of support.

Broward Behavioral Health Coalition also presented this plaque to Project SOAR Recovery Residences to commemorate over 10 years of dedication and commitment to improving behavioral health in our community: