Welcome Home Housing was founded in 2004 by families who were members of the Sacramento chapter of NAMI. Not content with the choices of quality housing for their loved ones living with mental illness, they decided to take action and create a different kind of housing that they believed was needed. An affordable place with the necessary supports that would offer their family members the opportunity to move from dependence toward independence. WHH 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 residents to achieve their goals. The goals are as individual as the people involved. WHH takes a person-centered approach to meet the needs of the residents. Staff members and volunteers listen and help problem-solve. Residents are encouraged to move beyond their fear of trying something new and to grow into the person he or she wants to become. WHH's goal is to provide permanent, not transitional, housing. While it is hoped that independent living is part of each resident'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, it is not a requirement that they move out at a certain time. Since opening the first home for 4 men in January of 2005, WHH now manages 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 residents have their own private bedrooms. Each home is furnished to create a family-like environment. In addition, WHH has partnered with Turning Point Community Programs and together have opened Abiding Hope Respite House in 2013.
