PROGRAMS
Empowering People To Create Their Best Life
681
Peer-Mentoring Hours
300+
Friendship Center Clients
8900
Nights of Housing Assistance
MHA PROGRAMS
Strengthening hope by providing support and opportunities for socialization.
Friendship Center
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Doraly Espinoza (she/her)
Program Coordinator
(650) 722-7385
doralye@mhasmc.org​
Program Handout (Bilingual PDF)
All centers are FREE and include coffee, snacks, and a warm meal.
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Must be 18 years or older to participate.
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​Join our contact list and we will send you our monthly calendar and event flyers.
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.
LOCATIONS
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TUESDAYS in Daly City
North County Mental Health Center
375 89th Street
11 am–2 pm
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THURSDAYS in Redwood City
Fair Oaks Commons
2nd Floor Community Room
2821 El Camino Real
11 am–2 pm​
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FRIDAYS in Belmont
Good Shepherd Hall
1300 5th Avenue
11 am–2 pm​​​
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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.
SAYAT
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Kim Cotton
Case Management Services Coordinator
(650) 257-8821
kimc@mhasmc.org
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.
ELIGIBILITY
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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
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply, complete the following forms and mail or fax to:
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Kim Cotton
SAYAT Program
2686 Spring Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
Fax: (510) 879-0354
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Homelessness Certification
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Forms cannot be submitted via email.
Wellness Program
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.
ARISE
An important aspect of supportive housing is helping clients with services outside of regular case management. Some clients need additional services to thrive in supportive housing. Help with meal prep, cleaning or walking a dog can make all the difference in a successful housing placement. The ARISE program matches in-home workers with clients who need additional assistance.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Jess Abbott
Case Management Services Coordinator
(650) 656-7261
Y.E.P.
FOR INFORMATION/REFERRAL PACKET CONTACT
Terriana Briggs
YEP Program Manager
(650) 722-7336
MHA's Youth Empowerment Program (Y.E.P.) helps young adults accomplish incredible things by exposing them to inspiring ideas and opportunities.
AVAILABLE SERVICES
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Housing Subsidy Assistance
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College or Vocational Training Financial Assistance
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Case Management
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Education and Vocational Services
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Peer Support Services
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Budgeting & Money Management
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Employment Assistance
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Assistance Applying for Benefits
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Support with Daily Living Skills
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Are you or is someone you know homeless or at risk of homelessness and between the ages of 18-25?
ELIGIBILITY
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Participants must be:
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Between the ages of 18 and 25
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A single adult
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Homelessness or at risk of homelessness
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Reside in San Mateo County
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Housing Assistance FOR PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS
FOR INFORMATION AND APPLICATION CONTACT
Susan Platte
Housing Assistance Coordinator
(650) 363-2834
(510) 350-9176 fax
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.
ELIGIBILITY
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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
“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