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Stigmatized Hearts
My Journey through Homelessness is the result of a project undertaken by graduate students in an Advanced Communities class in the Department of Social Work at the University of Texas at San Antoni...view moreMy Journey through Homelessness is the result of a project undertaken by graduate students in an Advanced Communities class in the Department of Social Work at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). It is a collaborative effort between UTSA, the Center for Health Care Services (CHCS), and Haven for Hope. Three goals were established for the project: to give voice to a group of people living at the margins of society; to bring awareness to students, helping professionals, and the general public about the lives of individuals with mental health and substance use issues; and to create a transformative learning experience for the students in the class.
CHCS provides a range of services aimed at improving the lives of people with mental health disorders, substance abuse challenges, and developmental disabilities. Haven for Hope is a residential community for homeless individuals who receive comprehensive social services on site provided by numerous community-based agencies that serve the homeless population in some way.
The stories, poems, and artwork in this book depict the unique experiences of men and women who are part of the CHCS In-House Wellness Program (IHWP). Located on the Haven for Hope campus, the IHWP provides a safe, structured-living environment for formerly homeless men and women who suffer from mental illness, many of whom have a substance use disorder. The overall goal of the IHWP is to provide mental health stabilization and transition to permanent housing.view less