In May, we are reminded of the importance of mental health for all of us during Mental Health Awareness Month. With over 64% of adults experiencing homelessness in Minnesota also experiencing serious mental illness*, mental healthcare is vital to disrupting cycles of homelessness.

We are acutely aware of the need for easy-to-access, quality mental health care for the people we serve. We address this with our free, onsite Mental Health Clinic with drop-in care for people staying at UGMTC. Our wait times to see a licensed therapist are within a week—dramatically shorter than the general population! Each year, we have increased the number of appointments available with our therapists because the need is great and mental health matters.

Additionally, mental health care is integrated into our programs. We care for the whole person—body, mind and soul. Our staff is trauma-informed, and therapists are credentialed to ensure the highest level of care. We even have mental health support for the children in the Naomi Family Program, addressing the trauma they have experienced.

Improved mental health gives people a better chance to get back on their feet. We hear it from people every day. There is something different about this place—truly holistic care that transforms lives… lives like De’Angelo:

Before coming to the mission, I was full of depression, anxiety and stress so I was really all over the place. Since coming to the Mission, I no longer live in a great depression. I have a therapist I see every week, and it’s just amazing how you can dig a little deeper on an individual level. —De’Angelo

 

*Wilder Research 2018 Minnesota Homelessness Study