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Dear MHAS Supporter, Each May during Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year. For many people like Rigo, whose story is highlighted below, mental wellbeing and access to services are inherently tied to housing stability. In fact, several studies have shown that evicted adults report significantly worse mental health outcomes than non-evicted adults, including higher suicide mortality and higher rates of mental health hospitalizations. Today, I'd like to highlight our team's contributions to the intersection of mental health and housing. Through their advocacy, they ensure that low-income tenants with mental health disabilities are not only aware of their fair housing rights, but also know how to exercise them. Their work makes it possible for our clients to focus on their recovery and improve their health outcomes. Please consider making a donation in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month to help Mental Health Advocacy Services (MHAS) continue its mission of protecting and advancing the rights of people with mental health disabilities. Thank you for your continued support of our mission, our advocates, and our clients. Sincerely,

Jenny Farrell Executive Director

HELPING RIGO STAY IN HIS APARTMENT

Rigo is a 65-year-old man with both physical and mental health disabilities whose stressful separation from his wife landed him in the hospital. To help in his recovery after his discharge, Rigo moved into an apartment near his doctor, his mental health provider, and his family.

Rigo obtained a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher to subsidize the cost of the apartment. A few weeks ago, Rigo's mental health provider—one of MHAS' community partners—noticed that Rigo's rent share had increased several times to the point where Rigo was now paying nearly half of his very limited income towards rent. Rigo was panicked by the thought of having to uproot himself to an unfamiliar area away from his support system because he could no longer afford his portion of the rent.

Rigo's therapist referred Rigo to MHAS, who successfully advocated for the local housing authority to increase the amount of his voucher. As a result, Rigo's share of rent was reduced to just under 30% of his income, saving him over $200 per month. Now, Rigo can go back to focusing on his recovery and wellbeing from the comfort of an apartment that is both convenient and affordable.

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FAIR HOUSING SPOTLIGHT

With support from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under FHIP Grant #FEOI1900435, MHAS provides fair housing services focused on fighting housing discrimination against low-income people with mental health disabilities in Los Angeles County. These services include: Distribution of electronic Fair Housing Tip of the Month newsletters; Free monthly fair housing trainings; and Free legal advice and counsel to fight housing discrimination. On May 25, our Fair Housing Team will be hosting a training focusing on the fair housing protections available for veterans during COVID-19 and beyond.

What we'll cover: Who is protected by fair housing law? Are there special protections for veterans? How is "disability" defined under fair housing law? Is COVID-19 a disability? What is a reasonable accommodation? How do I make a reasonable accommodation request? What if a housing provider denies an accommodation request? Are emotional support animals allowed in no-pets buildings? How do COVID-19 emergency protections help tenants with disabilities? And much more! Who should attend: Tenants & veterans with mental health disabilities Mental health professionals Social workers & case managers Housing & homelessness advocates Housing providers All are welcome!

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