Project Connect: 10 for 10 Mental Health Outreach and Support

Mental health

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

According to a 2021 NIH study, up to 78% of individuals experiencing homelessness present with depression. For Gateways Homeless Services program population, 100% of which present with severe mental illness, the number reporting depression and feelings of isolation is even higher. Homeless Service program provides needs assessment, individual and group counseling, case management, psychiatric evaluation and medication support, community outreach, and linkage to other services and community annually to as many as 225 adults aged 18-59 who are unhoused, in transitional housing, or at risk of becoming unhoused, including those who are on probation with LA County. This historically disenfranchised population is hard to keep track of and is resistant to ongoing care. 55-60% never return after seeking initial services. Others are at risk of dropping out due to unstable housing situations, poor interpersonal relationships, and psychosis-induced paranoia and fear of established providers.

Goal of Project Connect is to reach “missing” clients. At this time, staff reaches clients who have fallen away via the telephone, spending an average of 10 minutes checking in with them. Staff follow up with email/letter when phone number is invalid. Clients receive $10 gift card for each 10 consecutive weeks they access services or complete a phone session of at least 10 minutes. Participants receive Certificate of Completion and are asked to share what service or conversation was most helpful. Weekly calls are structured to pose a question, or provide intervention or coping skill to help clients manage depressive symptoms and decrease isolation IRL. Gateways will expand program by creating a list of most engaging content to be developed into 52-week curriculum. Curriculum will facilitate best-practices as informed by our clients’ lived experiences and will make the program replicable on larger scales.
Staff have been/will be trained in Motivational Interviewing as evidence-based technique to maximize positive outcomes for clients. Program will include text alerts and incorporate social media platforms as way to access/engage clients who may be uncomfortable with/have limited access to telephone.
Program will use social events to encourage treatment partners—clients who pair up to be accountability partners or friendly support with hope of decreasing isolation/encouraging fulfilling relationships.
Long term, program will expand to include group calls and community events.

75,518 individuals experience homelessness on any given night in LA County-- representing 9% increase county-wide and 10% increase in Los Angeles. 78% experiencing homelessness report depression, isolation, and despair. Effects of depression range from low energy to suicidal ideation.
Project Connect currently serves only individuals experiencing homelessness who present with severe mental illness. Positive results experienced is testament to efficacy of Project Connect and ability to improve outcomes for most isolated and stigmatized community.
Goal is to create replicable program which can be adopted at scale throughout the county. We envision a world in which those experiencing homelessness receive access to services and increased community and peer connection. We anticipate a happier and healthier LA in which depression related avolition is reduced, relationships are rebuilt, employment is maintained, and education is pursued, and in which health and wellbeing will be improved.

In its limited format, Project Connect has already proven itself a positive tool for lessening isolation and relieving the depression experienced by individuals with insecure housing. Outcomes are measured by improvement in retention rates and improvement in successful treatment outcomes. Without exception, Project Connect staff report positive reactions and productive interactions with clients. In the words of one client: “Thank you for calling me even when I didn’t respond. You saved my life because I knew someone was there and that I could get help when I needed it.”

Our proposed partner will be PATH – People Assisting the Homeless. We currently share a site and provide/receive referrals with one another. If granted, PATH would co-host and provide space for community activities and awards ceremonies.