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Homes for Life Foundation providing permanent, service-enriched housing for persons with mental disabilities... |
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ABOUT HOMES FOR LIFE FOUNDATION
INTRODUCTION
Homes for Life Foundation (HFLF) was formed as a housing corporation in 1986, and as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization in 1987 by professionals from the fields of business and mental health, who were also relatives and friends of persons with mental disabilities. This dedicated group of volunteers helped to identify the lack of permanent, affordable, service-enriched housing as being the main obstacle to sane, stabilized lives for mentally disabled adults.
HFLF recognizes that the majority of mentally disabled persons do not require continuing hospitalization, yet cannot manage to live entirely on their own.
STATEMENT OF MISSION
HFLF is dedicated to establishing a network of permanent, affordable, service-enriched housing within the geographic boundaries of Los Angeles County for individuals who suffer from mental disabilities, those who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
The fundamental purpose of offering mentally disabled adults the choice of a ‘home for life’ is to prevent their downward spiral of despair and crises resultant from eviction, eventual homelessness and many times death, due to the lack of such housing.
Homes for Life Foundation proposes a system-changing program, based on the concepts of prevention and collaboration among agencies. HFLF is committed to providing permanent housing which incorporates client centered rehabilitation and case management services, bringing together families, government agencies and mental health professionals to serve such gravely disadvantaged mentally disabled persons in a caring and cost-effective manner.
HFLF’S UNIQUE PROGRAM
Homelessness – and the lack of permanent housing for those with mental disabilities – is a social problem which has been identified, but not yet fully addressed by public or private agencies. Estimates today of California’s homeless mentally disabled persons have reached a high of one-quarter of a million persons, and their numbers continue to grow. The median age of these people is 33 years. HFLF is tackling the problem in Los Angeles County, where homeless mentally disabled adults can be seen everywhere, to include downtown Skid Row, beach communities such as Santa Monica and Long Beach, suburban areas of San Fernando Valley, and the City of Pasadena. They are visible in the streets, parks, vacant lots and buildings of our cities.
HFLF has set a goal of breaking the "revolving door syndrome", which generates homelessness. HFLF is developing permanent, home-like housing where such persistently mentally disabled persons can choose to live for an unlimited amount of time, where their basic life needs are met in caring, supportive living environments. In concert with such housing, HFLF delivers counseling, rehabilitation and case management services to clients, toward building their sense of success, belonging, and to help them reach their highest potentials, all critical to humane existence with positive meaning.
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