On September 13, 2017, Alachua County was awarded the Cooperative Agreement to Benefit Homeless Individuals (CABHI) Grant by the Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services.
This grant provides a total of $2.4 million over three years with a goal of increasing Alachua County’s capacity to coordinate and provide services to adults, youth, and families who are experiencing homelessness and are affected by serious mental illness, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders. These services include homeless outreach across the County, evidence-based behavioral health treatment, permanent supportive housing, supportive employment, peer supports, and other individualized recovery support services. Alachua County Community Support Services is the lead agency for this grant with Meridian Behavioral Healthcare as the partner providing treatment services. The Alachua County Housing Authority is also partnering with permanent supportive housing to assist in positive treatment outcomes.
A Steering Committee will be formed to oversee achievement of CABHI grant goals, participate in sustainability planning, and develop short and long-term strategies in support of individuals in Alachua County who are experiencing homelessness and who have behavioral health issues.
Services are to be initiated by January 30, 2018. This program will reach out to approximately 1,191 individuals over the three-year period, with 72 individuals served by this community treatment team annually.
For more information, contact Alachua County Community Support Services Director Claudia Tuck at 352-264-6706 or ctuck@alachuacounty.us.