DECEMBER 2007 — Community landlords are resources that often go without recognition. They work with the ReDCo Group to provide housing for persons with mental illness. They are corporate heroes.

The ReDCo Group developed a relationship with the Pottsville Housing Authority over ten years ago. At that time, the Supported Housing Program assisted consumers in finding safe, affordable housing. But in order to achieve that goal, housing options needed to be made available. Because the Pottsville Housing Authority had enough vision, they partnered with the Supported Housing Program and made options available for consumers.

Two years ago, the same situation presented itself for residents leaving our personal care home. Most of these consumers are older and have some significant health concerns. Not having access to staff on a 24-hour basis would prohibit them from living independently. Because the Schuylkill County Housing Authority was willing to work with us, our consumers rent apartments in a local high rise and the Recovery and Support Program rents an apartment in t he high rise and has 24-hour staff available for those consumers.

It is significant that the housing authorities, and especially private landlords, work with us to provide safe, affordable housing for mental health consumers. Not everyone is willing to work with someone with a mental illness, especially rent to them, have them sign a lease, and trust them in their housing unit. But because of Craig Shields and Jody Dunigan of the Pottsville Housing Authority, Tim Hale of the Schuylkill Housing Authority, and Deborah Miller, Justin Miller, and Wendy Guyesky, our consumers have a better chance of finding safe, decent, and affordable housing. We have a long history with the above landlords and all can comment on the positive relationships they have with the ReDCo Group BHS Schuylkill and Berks and our consumers. We thank them for their openness and non-stigmatizing actions. They are ReDCo Group corporate heroes.