Welcome Home Housing was founded in 2004 by families who were members of the Sacramento chapter of NAMI. Not content with the choices of quality housing for their loved ones living with mental illness, they decided to take action and create a different kind of housing that they believed was needed. An affordable place with the necessary support that would offer their family members the opportunity to move from dependence toward independence.
WHH offers more than just a place to live but a place that supports and encourages self-reliance through the development and maintenance of the skills necessary for independent living. A place that helps build self-confidence and empowers the tenants to achieve their goals. The goals are as individual as the people involved. WHH takes a person-centered approach to meet the needs of the tenants. Staff members and volunteers listen and help problem-solve. Tenants are encouraged to move beyond their fear of trying something new and to grow into the person he or she wants to become.
WHH's goal is to provide permanent, not transitional, housing. While it is hoped that independent living is part of each tenant's goal, many find that communal living is a major part of their wellness. For the first time, they have friends and a sense of belonging. Therefore, it is not a requirement that they move out at a certain time.
Since opening the first home for 4 men in January of 2005, WHH now manages 5 houses and provides services and support for up to 24 individuals. The houses are set up as shared living environments with communal living spaces. Most tenants have private bedrooms. Each home is furnished to create a family-like environment.
Welcome Home Housing provides affordable homes for adults with mental illness in an environment that encourages individual development and personal self-worth.
To keep the rents affordable and within our tenants' means, unrestricted funding helps cover the gaps in our general operating costs. Currently, Welcome Home Housing's greatest need is for the cost associated with providing the support and life skills training necessary for each tenant to obtain true independence and housing stability.
Many of the tenants come to us with very few personal possessions nor can they afford to furnish a room on their own. Each of our houses is furnished to create a comfortable and inviting home environment. As a result of normal wear and tear, the furnishings such as dressers, desks, couches, dining sets, etc. periodically need to be replaced. Donations of gently used or new furniture, kitchen supplies, and bedding/linens help to keep our expenses low.
We are always looking for volunteers to work directly with the tenants teaching cooking skills, meal planning, budgeting, and the daily living skills necessary for independent living. Volunteers are also needed for one-time projects as needs arise (i.e., cleaning out a garage or moving donated furniture).
We are currently seeking volunteers to join our board and work groups. Our greatest need is for individuals with experience in fundraising or grant writing to join our fundraising work group. Most importantly, we are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic and dedicated to the success of our organization.
We need to replace aging computers and printers for our tenants to access the internet and maintain the ability to research benefits and other community resources.
Organization name
Welcome Home Housing
other names
WHH
2004
Tax id (EIN)
04-3795698
Mission Category
Housing, Shelter
Operating Budget
$250,001-$500,000
Organization Need
Funding: Unrestricted, In-Kind Donations, Volunteers, Board Members, Technology
Demographics Served
Individuals with disabilities, Low-income individuals/families, Homeless/Underhoused/Unhoused
Local Counties Served
Sacramento
Address
PO Box 161526Sacramento, CA, US