Autumn West
Community Advocates has assumed the daily operation of two local programs that provide ongoing services to Milwaukee's homeless populations.
The Autumn West Supportive Housing Project is a 27-bed, short-term housing program which provides food, security and on-site case-management services for individuals who are homeless and mentally ill. Seven of the beds are funded through the Behavioral Health Division in a program called the Transitional Housing Program.
Autumn West is a “safe haven” program for homeless clients whose severe mental illness makes living in a traditional shelter very difficult and sometimes impossible. Clients often leave shelters or are asked to leave because the rules and the atmosphere of the shelter are too difficult for them to tolerate. Program staff takes great care to provide the flexibility that these special clients need while maintaining security standards that ensure their safety and the safety of the neighborhood. The program is staffed 24 hours per day.
Autumn West staff work with clients to access mental health and health care, benefits and other community resources. While the individual is living at Autumn West they are assisted in the development of basic skills such as personal hygiene, laundry and room cleanliness. Three communal meals are served daily.
The Homeless Outreach Nursing Center provides mental health-related services to people who are homeless and have a mental illness. Staff conducts outreach on the streets, at meal sites and in emergency shelters. The Center conducts "client centered" outreach to the homeless community and provides engagement, connection with other service providers, assistance to access mental health and health services, access to safe havens and other transitional and permanent housing, and referral and help securing benefits.
For more information contact Jeanne Lowry, Manager, Autumn West/Homeless Outreach Nursing Center, at (414) 671-6337.
