PILOTS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

PILOTS is a supportive housing program offering intensive case management and affordable housing opportunities to homeless individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. The PILOTS program helps consumers maintain their recovery and foster healthy relationships. The program encourages the use of community-based services to ensure successful independent living. The goal of the PILOTS Program is to increase independence in community living.

Admission Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Axis I psychiatric and/or substance abuse diagnosis
• Resident of Catchment Area 11 or 12
• HUD definition of homeless
• Income at or below 50% of area median income
• Identified need for intensive case management and housing supports
• Interest and willingness to participate in support services and actively work on recovery

A Story: Josh

Josh is a 27-year old man with a history of homelessness. He was referred to the PILOTS program after completing a treatment program for co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse. He was living in a temporary transitional program, but permanent housing and intensive case management services were needed to prevent a return to life on the streets and related arrests. Josh faced several barriers in the recovery process and search for an apartment. A poor tenant history, lack of financial resources and lack of transportation were significant challenges.

In a partnership between Josh and his case manager, goals for recovery were identified and documented in an Individualized Recovery Plan. With assistance from his case manager, Josh was able to locate an apartment in the community subsidized by foundation grants awarded to PILOTS. He worked closely with staff on tenant issues, skill building for self-sufficiency, finding employment, and obtaining transportation. Josh was determined to take control of his life and avoid a return to life on the streets.

Josh found full-time employment and began receiving sorely needed health care benefits. Today he no longer needs the rental subsidy and has successfully maintained his 1-bedroom apartment for over a year. Josh is proud of his many accomplishments and recently told his case manager he was ready for discharge from PILOTS. His case manager agrees. Josh is in recovery.