Welcome Home Housing was founded in 2004 by families of the Sacramento chapter of NAMI. Not content with the choices of quality housing for their loved ones living with mental illness, our founders decided to take action and create a different kind of housing that they believed was needed. An affordable place with the necessary support that would offer their family members the opportunity to move from dependence toward independence.
Welcome Home Housing offers more than just a place to live, but a place that supports and encourages self-reliance through the development and maintenance of the skills necessary for independent living. A place that helps build self-confidence and empowers the tenants to achieve their goals. The goals are as individual as the people involved. Our organization takes a person-centered approach to meet the needs of the tenants. Staff members and volunteers listen and help problem-solve. Tenants are encouraged to move beyond their fear of trying something new and grow into the person they want to become.
Our goal is to provide permanent, not transitional, housing. While it is hoped that independent living is part of each tenant's goal, many find that communal living is a major part of their wellness. For the first time, they have friends and a sense of belonging. Therefore, they are not required to move out at a certain time.
Since opening the first home in Rosemont, our housing program has grown to manage 5 houses and provides services and support for up to 24 individuals. The houses are set up as shared living environments with communal living spaces. Most tenants have private bedrooms. Each home is furnished to create a family-like setting.
