Page 100 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2020

GIVING BACK
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION of
South Mississippi
story and photos courtesy of the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
Mental Health Association of South Mississippi (MHASM) has several programs that support people in their journey. Some may ask whether people with mental illness “get through it.” The answer is yes, but the journey is di erent for each person as we are all unique. Looking through the lens of someone that we helped recently may give a picture.
An older gentleman had been living on the streets for well over a year. We met him through our homeless outreach program.
The relationship began with conversations around immediate needs. Outreach sta gave him supplies like food and personal hygiene items. During additional encounters we took him to get identi cation and a new social security card. Connections were made to other resources including medical care.
He participated in our supportive housing program that pays rent and helps the person to get stabilized in an apartment. Part of the process are home visits, phone calls and steps to help with the transition to be a responsible tenant. Our case manager assists with goal setting
and working through issues that come up. This can be a challenging time. He joined our Drop In program forming friendships and lling the day with activities and learning.
Empowering someone to do things on their own, to nd ways
to cope that work for them and feel a connection to others who care
is important to success. For more information, give us a call or visit us online.
Homeless outreach lunch.
MHASM’s Drop In Program participates in an art project.
Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
4803 Harrison Cir., Gulfport | 228.864.6274 | www.msmentalhealth.org
100 | December 2020 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living