True North Housing Alliance launches innovative mental health, substance use recovery programming for people experiencing homelessness in Butte County
(California Department of Health Care Services funding empowers TNHA to increase access to culturally responsive care.)
Lola holds a bouquet she made in April 2024 as part of True North Housing Alliane's therapeutic guest enrichment classes. She entered floral arrangements into the Silver Dollar Fair this year and received several award ribbons for first, second, and third places!
Chico, CA – True North Housing Alliance has launched innovative mental health and substance use recovery programming that is improving the wellbeing and housing outcomes of people experiencing homelessness in Butte County. Programming includes therapeutic groups in horticulture, visual arts, and physical activity; expanded offerings in substance use disorder counseling; workforce development; staff training and certifications; and life skills and educational workshops for the unhoused.
The nonprofit launched this initiative in January 2024 with the support of grant funding from the state of California. The Health Equity in Access to Behavioral Health Recovery Services (HEAR US) Phase 2 funding opportunity is provided by the California Department of Health Care Services, with support from The Center at Sierra Health Foundation as its administrative entity.
Fifty percent of those receiving services from True North Housing Alliance report having a mental health condition; approximately 45 percent report struggling with substance use disorder/addiction. The HEAR US initiative has empowered True North Housing Alliance to improve access and culturally responsive care to mental health and substance use recovery, tailored to the diverse communities the nonprofit serves in Butte County.
“This is an exciting and unique opportunity because it is the first grant we have received that prioritizes alternative forms of psychological support and mental health care, as well as services that address the comprehensive needs of a person,” says Taylor Bunch, Executive Director of True North. “We get to tailor service delivery and programming to the unique needs of the folks we serve. It's not one-size-fits-all.”
Along those lines, True North Housing Alliance has expanded its substance use disorder counseling offerings provided on-site at the Torres Community Shelter (Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, mindfulness-based groups, etc.). Staff have also had the support through this grant-funded program to become certified substance use disorder counselors. Additionally, clients and staff of True North have become certified peer support specialists, providing services, advocacy and support to others due to their lived experience in mental health and/or substance use recovery. The program has also provided workshops for clients on important topics and issues, such as legal aid and other life skills.
HEAR US has also empowered the nonprofit to launch a guest enrichment program with various therapeutic activities that promote community and wellbeing, including horticulture in the Torres Shelter garden (enhancing the quality of nutrition in meals served onsite); art groups in painting, ceramics and more; physical activities for all abilities, such as chair/seated yoga; floral arrangement, including community engagement by competing at the Silver Dollar Fair; and group outings to community events.
Robin Lee, Guest Enrichment Coordinator and teacher of art classes, said the program gives clients something to look forward to, has helped them forge friendships, and provides a positive, creative outlet.
“I will never forget the afternoon I was called aside and a student told me that she realized that while she was walking through the shelter that she was humming and smiling,” she said. “The classes have created a more relaxed environment—shelter guests are starting to trust people again, form friendships, and uplift each other. They are so proud of what they all create together.”
Lola, a guest of the Torres Shelter, said that the program has helped her let go and build confidence. She entered several floral arrangements into the Silver Dollar Fair and received four ribbons: two first place, one second place, and one third place.
“I was pleased with something I did, something I didn’t know I had inside of me anymore that I thought was lost. I was very pleased with the experience, and I lost a lot of fear about interacting with people. I was walking on air. I was happy.”
True North Housing Alliance has also significantly expanded its workforce development program through this initiative, partnering with The Valley Contractors Workforce Foundation to provide valuable construction training and employment opportunities to clients. The Valley Contractors Workforce Foundation is offering specialized training programs designed to prepare participants for careers in the construction industry. Participants are receiving hands-on experience through community support projects, gaining valuable skills that are in high demand within our region while providing a positive impact in their community.
"We are excited about this partnership with True North Housing Alliance," said Melissa Crick, Executive Director of Valley Contractors Workforce Foundation. "By providing training and employment opportunities, we aim to not only support the residents of True North Housing Alliance but also contribute positively to our community through our workforce development efforts."
HEAR US Phase 2 grant funding is active through June 2025. True North Housing Alliance intends to continue providing this programming due to the benefit it has already provided for staff and clients, Bunch said, and will continue seeking sustainable funding opportunities.
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About the Organization: True North Housing Alliance provides low-barrier, service-enhanced shelter, housing, and street outreach to adults, families, college students, veterans and seniors experiencing homelessness in Butte County, operating 24/7. For 26 years, the nonprofit has focused on its mission of moving people forward and out of homelessness with compassion, dignity and accountability. True North is the largest and most cost-effective connector to shelter and permanent housing in Butte County and in 2023, served over 830 people and housed over 200—more than any previous year in its history. The organization’s comprehensive case management services are a key feature of its success, providing clients with individualized advocacy, guidance and the tools needed to achieve sustainable health and wellbeing, financial stability and housing. Learn more at https://truenorthbutte.org/