Deeply Affordable Housing for Mental Health Recovery
At form communities, we invest in supporting people’s non-clinical needs for mental health. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are Four Pillars of wellness that help people maintain an equilibrium with their mental health.
Pillars That Support Mental Health
In 2022, we rebranded the name of our organization to form communities, because this is the essence of our approach to mental health recovery. We create communities where people in recovery can connect with others, establish and meet their goals, and work to improve their health and relationships. These settings such as the San Antonio Clubhouse help meet many elements of the four pillars, such as Health, Community, and Purpose. However, this doesn’t address people’s need for housing. This is the motivation behind our housing program at Grandstaff Manors.
Health
Managing symptoms and making healthy choices.
Purpose
Meaningful activities that give us purpose and motivation.
Community
Supportive relationships that offer connection, love, and hope.
Home
A safe, stable home and the resources to live independently.
Why Safe, Stable Housing Matters
Everyone deserves access to safe and affordable housing. When surveyed, 46% of the members of the San Antonio Clubhouse–adults with a history of mental illness–stated that they would change their housing, if they could. Every member has a story: from predatory landlords to victimization, or just difficulty in navigating the housing system. The lack of accessible and quality housing has motivated us to help meet this need for our community.
Housing that prioritizes community bonds
In 2024, we opened Grandstaff Manors. This program consists of four neighboring homes in a cul-de-sac in the Dellview neighborhood of San Antonio. The homes are master-leased from one landlord, and then individual rooms are sub-leased exclusively to Clubhouse members. Members are encouraged to continue participating in the Clubhouse and to meet with their Peer Specialists.
This program takes elements from HUD’s “permanent supportive housing” model, and elements from sober living programs. Though most PSH projects are designed for individuals or families to lease an entire apartment, our program offers deeper affordability for individuals looking for a room, instead of an entire apartment. This works because everyone who lives in the homes is already a member of a shared community–the San Antonio Clubhouse. Four months of membership are required before someone can apply to live at Grandstaff Manors, and many individuals already have relationships with each other from the Clubhouse or other form communities programs.
Flexible Supportive Housing
Individual rooms in shared, community-focused, homes
Costs $400 for:
- Individual rooms for each person
- Flat-rate rent, includes utilities and internet
- Fully-furnished bedrooms and common areas
- Free transportation to the SA Clubhouse & SA Connection Center
- Free access to a Mental Health Peer Specialist
- Free access to employment and other support services at the SA Clubhouse
- Only available to members of the San Antonio Clubhouse
Want to Help?
Whether you’re ready to make a difference with a donation or want to connect with our team about programs, partnerships, or anything else, let’s connect.
Donate to Make an Impact
We’re just getting started! If you’d like to help, here are a few ways:
- Let us know about other compassionate landlords you might know
- Donate: furniture is great, and cash donations are always appreciated!
Get in Touch
Have a question, idea, or want to work together? Reach out to our team—we’d love to hear from you.
- Come learn about the Clubhouse and our programs
- Support affordable housing in your community
- Contact your elected official and let them know that affordable housing is critical for mental health!