Partners in CARE
Community Access to Recovery and Empowerment

In 1993, the federal Center for Mental Health Services established ACCESS (Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Supports) programs throughout the country to help integrate services for people who are homeless and have mental illnesses and/or chemical addictions. Located in Philadelphia, ACCESS West Philly's staff help individuals find the assistance they need to lead successful, fulfilling lives. Both the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Offices of Mental Health collaborate with the Center for Mental Health Services to fund ACCESS West Philly, and the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania operates the program.

Mission

ACCESS West Philly works to ensure that homeless people with mental illnesses in West Philadelphia receive needed services. To accomplish this goal, the program offers a variety of easily accessible services. When individuals require assistance not offered by ACCESS West Philly, program staff help them find the services they need.

Population Served

ACCESS West Philly targets individuals who meet the following criteria.

• They have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses. (A priority is given to individuals who also have drug and alcohol addictions.)
  
• They have been homeless for a significant amount of time.
  
• They have not had significant contact with a mental health treatment system in the last 12 months.
  
• They are from West Philadelphia, or they have made contact with the ACCESS program in West Philadelphia.
  

Philosophy

The staff of ACCESS West Philly, like all ACCESS staff, believe that services for homeless people with mental illnesses need to be easily accessible. The services currently available in many communities do not fit this requirement. The different locations, application procedures, service philosophies and policies of these services can confuse people who are already overwhelmed by their illnesses. Many individuals eventually give up, and never receive the services they need.

Program Services

Case managers at ACCESS West Philly help program participants find any services they need, including employment programs, housing support and legal assistance. Case managers also teach individuals to care for themselves and their homes.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors and nurses at ACCESS West Philly treat the mental and physical health needs of all program participants. A staff nurse specializes in substance abuse treatments.

The New Life Center, a drop-in center at ACCESS West Philly, provides individuals with phones, showers, laundry facilities, changes of clothes, a mailing address, and necessary information and community support. Professional presentations include valuable information about medical issues. Support groups - including groups for individuals with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems - help program participants with their everyday struggles. Movies, games, arts and crafts and other activities help individuals make friends and find their own communities.

Program staff actively promote ACCESS West Philly's services. They drive through the West Philadelphia community and talk to homeless individuals they see about ACCESS West Philly.

Program Highlights

A study of all ACCESS programs, including ACCESS West Philly, documents promising results. Compared to the previous year, people participating in ACCESS programs for one year spent three times as many days in housing. As the number of days in housing increased, individuals' symptoms tended to decrease. In addition, housing quality improved for people participating in ACCESS programs.

CONTACT PERSON:
Chris Simiriglia, Director
ACCESS West Philly
30 South 30th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
PH: (215) 386-9801
E-MAIL: padiva@ix.netcom.com
WEB: www.mhasp.org/