Ending homelessness and improving health outcomes are inextricably linked. The pressing lack of safe, affordable and integrated housing has been identified as a major barrier to full community participation for individuals with mental illness. Living on the streets or in shelters makes it difficult to maintain one’s wellness or even manage the most basic needs associated with a chronic illness. Research has shown that supportive housing programs have the most positive effect on a person’s wellness. Also, supportive housing programs are the most cost-effective programs costing only a quarter of the amount required for large-scale institutional settings. The Corporation for Supportive Housing in its Frequent Users of Health Systems Initiative (July 2011) found that on average prior to transitioning, residents of supportive housing programs have over $58,000 in emergency room and hospital inpatient stays per person annually. Two years subsequent, residents amassed only $19,000 in healthcare costs.

Declarations, Inc. seeks to increase our ability to provide more affordable housing options for individuals with mental disabilities. As a non-profit organization, some operational, as well as capital costs associated with our mission, exceed our current contract budget. As cost-maintenance and management shifts from the State Government contract, to a direct-bill to Medicaid based system, it is increasingly more important that small, non-profits serving New Jersey’s local population become even more diligent about seeking private funds.

Funding for Declarations, Inc. is used to provide housing and direct support services to individuals with disabilities. However, in today’s  economic climate, government funding is being reduced even as the need for services is increasing. Declarations, Inc. is seeking support to enable us to continue providing these needed supports for our consumers while expanding our ability to reach others in need. Please give. Thank you.