“SAYAT has guided me to where I am today,” Now I know that I’m not alone and that I can always count on others to guide and support me. It’s the best feeling.”
- James, MHA Client
The Friendship Center is one of MHA's oldest and most successful programs. Opened in 1970, the Centers are a safe and inclusive environment for adults with mental illness. All of our activities are community-based, providing recreation and socialization as well as the opportunity to participate in activities and events that provide a sense of belonging and, for many, an extended and caring family.
Join our contact list and we will be happy to send you our monthly calendar and event flyers.
FRIENDSHIP CENTER
LOCATIONS
Redwood City
Fair Oaks Commons
2821 El Camino Real
Every 2nd Thursday of the month
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Daly City
North County Mental Health Center
375 89th Street
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Peer-led Friendly Conversations
Want to hear from one of our peer support counselors every week? Let
us know and we will be happy to help you get started.
Must be 18 years or older to participate.
View our monthly calendar and event flyers by clicking below.
ELIGIBILITY
Participants must be:
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Between the ages of 18 and 25
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Be considered homeless as defined by HUD
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Reside in San Mateo County
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Have an identified disability*
Identified Disabilities can include:
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Substance use disorder
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Serious mental illness
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Developmental disability
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
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Cognitive impairments due to brain injury
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Chronic physical illness or disability
APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply, complete the following forms and mail or fax to:
Kim Cotton
SAYAT Program
2686 Spring Street
Redwood City, Ca 94063
Fax: (510) 879-0354
Homelessness Certification
Forms cannot be submitted via email.
Support and Advocacy for Young Adults in Transition (SAYAT) was developed in 1990 to address the mental health needs of young people leaving foster care or the juvenile justice system. MHA recognizes that the years between 18 and 25 are critical in diagnosing the onset of mental illness. The SAYAT staff offers intensive case management and support services to facilitate successful independent living.
For information and to submit forms contact:
Kim Cotton
Case Management Services Coordinator
(650) 257-8821
kimc@mhasmc.org
SAYAT
The MHA Wellness Program, run by skilled Occupational Therapists, enhances and strengthens the living skills of persons with mental illness enabling them to be independent and live successfully in the community.
WELLNESS PROGRAM
681
300+
8900
Peer-Mentoring Hours
Friendship Center Clients
Nights of Housing Assistance
PEER MENTOR PROGRAM
To apply to be a Community Friend Participant, complete and submit an application form to:
Georgia Peterson
Community Friends Program
2686 Spring Street
Redwood City, Ca 94063
Fax: (510) 879-0354
FORMS/DOCUMENTS
Forms cannot be submitted via email.
Community Friends is a peer mentoring program, designed to support individuals in our community. The program fosters one to one social relationships, pairing experienced clients with those new to MHA. Outings include movies, dining, shopping and sporting events. Community Friends offer friendship to persons who, due to isolation and loneliness, may be lacking such support and camaraderie. The program assists with communication, social skills and self-esteem. The program alleviates isolation, providing an opportunity to use and share community resources in the most ordinary way possible—with friends.
To apply to be a Community Friend Participant or for information contact:
Georgia Peterson
Shelter Manager
(650) 298-9846
COMMUNITY FRIENDS
Resident Assistant Mentoring Program (RAMP) is designed to address the occasional traumatic transition from homelessness to housing by pairing formerly homeless mentors with chronically homeless and newly housed individuals. Each mentor is matched with four clients to provide 12 weeks of one-on-one support.
RAMP participants are able to articulate and understand the concerns formerly homeless individuals have about their new housing, the potentially temporary nature of it, the lack of understanding about landlord tenant expectations, how to report problems or request repairs, and overall how to really become and feel a part of a new community. It's easy.
For further information contact:
Georgia Peterson
Shelter Manager
(650) 298-9846
MENTOR PROGRAM
A curriculum of activities has been developed based on focus groups with formerly homeless individuals. Topics include identifying and using basic needs resources such as the local food pantry, grocery store, the bank, post office and library. Individual sessions may address how to plan a budget, pay bills, and maintain a new apartment as well as meal planning and grocery shopping. Field trips involve learning how to use the local transit system, creating personalized transit use for often visited sites, as well as exploring the new neighborhood and local community resources.
RAMP participants are able to articulate and understand the concerns formerly homeless individuals have about their new housing, the potentially temporary nature of it, the lack of understanding about landlord tenant expectations, how to report problems or request repairs, and overall how to really become and feel a part of a new community. It's easy.
RAMP
ELIGIBILITY
Participants must:
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Have received a positive result from an HIV test
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Be a resident of San Mateo County
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Verify a need for assistance
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Have a gross household income at or below 80% of the area median income
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Be willing to work toward stable housing
MHA manages the Housing and Client Assistance Program for individuals with HIV/AIDS. This program helps HIV positive, low-income residents of San Mateo County avoid homelessness by helping them obtain and maintain permanent housing. Services are provided through the use of Housing Opportunity for People with AIDS (HOPWA) and Ryan White funds received through a contract with the San Mateo County STD/HIV Program. Services include assistance with creating and maintaining a plan that will lead to stable housing, short term rental assistance, move in costs and help with utility bills. Referrals are given to find additional services in the community. Financial assistance is temporary.
For information and application contact:
Susan Platte
Housing Assistance Coordinator
(650) 363-2834
(510) 350-9176 fax