the Well Community

Mental illness and homelessness are compounding issues that can contribute to one another and create a cycle that makes it incredibly difficult for those caught in it to pursue stability. The myths that surround these two issues can create a host of misconceptions that only add to the weight of struggle carried by those experiencing both.
Read more: https://wellcommunity.org/seven-myths-about-mental-illness-and-homelessness/

An excellent resource for those who care for family members dealing with mental health challenges.

There isn't a handbook for caring for someone living with a mental health condition.

Some days you may know exactly what to do. Other days, you may not know where to turn.

That's why the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine is here. Whether you have questions, need help finding resources, or simply want to talk with someone who understands caregiving through lived experience, you don't have to navigate the journey alone.

Support doesn't have to solve everything today. Sometimes it starts with one conversation.

- Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) and press 4
- Text FAMILY to 62640
- Learn more: nami.org/family

While struggling with a mental health condition increases the likelihood that a person will become homeless, the connection works both ways: Being homeless or in insecure housing also makes it more difficult for those who live with these challenges to both pursue recovery and acquire stable housing. Read about five ways homelessness magnifies mental health struggles: https://wellcommunity.org/five-ways-housing-insecurity-magnifies-mental-health-challenges/

Did you know that 4 in 10 adults experiencing homelessness in Dallas county also live with a serious mental mental health condition? Those dealing with these illnesses are eight times more likely than the general population to lack a safe, stable place to live.

Big thanks to the group from Kessler Park United Methodist Church that brought a delicious meal for our members last night! The church has supported our Thursday Night Life worship service for close to 24 years. Church member Vickie Fisk, a former member of the Well Board of Directors, organized the group, and we're grateful they will be back for the next two Thursdays!

Living in community can be a powerful factor in pursuing mental health stability. But for many dealing with serious mental illnesses, finding a safe place to live and meaningful, supportive connection with others is especially difficult. According to the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, 40% of individuals experiencing homelessness in Dallas County suffer from severe mental illness (SMI)—eight times more than in the general population.

Amid the challenges, group homes like Jacob’s House provide a unique form of support for individuals who would otherwise be homeless. Learn how: https://wellcommunity.org/life-in-community-ongoing-support-in-pursuing-stability/

What does wellness mean to you?

It's never too late in the year to start (or restart) wellness practices and routines. For , we'll be posting reminders and information on why different kinds of wellness matter for your mental and physical health.

We're hiring a Communications Coordinator! This role works within the development team to create, implement and manage the Well Community’s promotional strategies to engage its donors, volunteers and the general public in the Well’s mission. Duties include development and distribution of all promotional materials; grant writing, reporting and tracking; coordinating promotional campaigns; tracking data and preparing donor relations materials.

Learn more: https://wellcommunity.org/open-positions/

Put October 24--just three months away--on your calendar! You're invited to Monster Mash Halloween Bash, a spooky night of fun in support of the Well Community. It is a night when our larger community comes together in a creative and meaningful way to support the mission of the Well, providing connection, support and hope to those living daily with severe mental illnesses. We hope you'll join us! Learn more: https://wellcommunity.org/mm26/

Rita attended the Well Community for many years. Her thoughts about the Well captured in this video are still echoed by members living with severe mental health disorders like schizoaffective disorder. Watch her story here: https://wellcommunity.org/schizoaffective-disorder-and-the-well-a-members-thoughts/