Deeply-affordable
mental health-focused housing
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. These are:
Health
Overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms – including abstinence if one has an addiction – and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.
Purpose
Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors. Things we’re excited to get out of bed to do.
Community
Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope. People that we look forward to seeing, and that want to see us.
Home
A stable and safe place to live, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
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.
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 Specialist, but neither is required to maintain access to their home.
Permanent Supportive Housing
Individual rooms in shared, community-focused, homes- 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
- All services are available for free, but completely optional
- Only available to members of the San Antonio Clubhouse
This program is based on HUD’s “permanent supportive housing” model. 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.
Want to help?
We’re just getting started! If you’d like to help, here are a few ways:
- 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!
- Let us know about other compassionate landlords you might know
- Donate: furniture is great, and cash donations are always appreciated!
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Reach out to us with your questions or find out how you can become an active part of Form Communities’ mission to create a positive impact in Mental Health.
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