All too often, those most desperate for housing are farthest from it. The National Institute for Mental Health estimates that nearly half of homeless individuals suffer from brain-based diseases and, in Virginia, nearly one in four prison inmates has a mental illness. The Brain Foundation was established to change those numbers – by educating the public about brain diseases and creating affordable housing for those who suffer from them. Residents live in fully-furnished homes close to grocery stores and public transit, and receive counseling and social work services through partnerships with Pathway Homes, the Community Service Board, and mental health services provider PRS, Inc. While all residents have serious illnesses (including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), they care for themselves and their homes daily: cooking, cleaning, and achieving stability. Now with nine four-bedroom homes in Fairfax County serving 36 clients, TBF’s long-term goal is to serve as a model for other organizations – thus expanding the chances for affordable, comfortable homes throughout the country. For those in desperate need, these welcoming places will change their lives.
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