Dear MHAS Supporter,

Earlier this year, the Staff and Board of Directors of Mental Health Advocacy Services revised the organization's mission statement and adopted a new vision statement and core values. Each of these changes is a result of thoughtful and engaging conversations held by our team in order to best reflect our work.
Mission: To protect and advance the legal rights of low income adults and children with mental health disabilities and empower them to assert those rights in order to maximize their autonomy, achieve equity, and secure the resources they need to thrive.

Vision: We envision a world in which people with mental health disabilities thrive in the community, free from stigma, discrimination, and injustice. We see a future where all people are safely housed and economically stable, where we are all treated fairly everywhere we go, and where we each have the opportunity to pursue our own dreams.

Empowerment: Our work is driven by the desire to provide our clients with the resources needed to achieve autonomy and self-sufficiency, and to live the life they choose rather than one that is chosen for them by others.

Dignity: We believe in the humanity and value of every person. We aspire to treat every individual with respect, kindness, and understanding.

Equity: We focus on ensuring that our services are both trauma-informed and accessible to communities who have been traditionally underserved or marginalized.

Collaboration: We value collaborating with other organizations in the community and we work in partnership with our clients to help them achieve overall stability and well-being.

Wellness: Knowing that we provide better services when we take care of ourselves, we prioritize the well-being, safety, and physical and mental health of both our clients and our team.
For nearly 45 years, MHAS has established itself as a fierce mental health and disability rights advocate. We are proud to present these new guiding statements and are confident that they will help us to continue delivering on our founding principles.

Sincerely,
Jenny Farrell
Executive Director
IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE AAPI COMMUNITY
MHAS sends our deepest condolences to the families of the eight victims—including six women of Asian descent—whose lives were tragically taken during last week's shooting rampage in Atlanta.

MHAS also condemns the racism, misogyny, and white supremacy that enable these senseless acts of violence.

The long history of anti-Asian discrimination in the United States extends to our present day: nearly 3,800 hate incidents were reported to Stop AAPI Hate since the beginning of the pandemic. This is unacceptable. No one deserves to live in fear in their own home, or anywhere else.
We urge you to not only reflect on the aftermath of this tragedy, but to also think critically about how we can create lasting change for tomorrow.
HELPING CLARA ON HER PATH TO STABILITY
At 21-years-old, Clara* is balancing motherhood, mental health disabilities, and several legal battles. She is a survivor of intimate partner violence and is in proceedings with the child welfare system to maintain parental rights of her young children. Clara herself grew up in the same system. 
Clara was referred to MHAS after her landlord:
  • Unlawfully evicted her while pregnant and during the pandemic,
  • Damaged her property,
  • Refused to return her security deposit, and
  • Sued her in small claims court seeking to recover $800 in unpaid rent from months after the wrongful eviction.

After receiving free legal advice at MHAS, Clara successfully advocated for herself at the small claims hearing. The judge ruled that Clara's tenancy rights were "entirely violated" and went on to award her more than $725 in damages for her counterclaims.
MHAS' advocacy empowered Clara and gave her the footing necessary to regain safety and stability in her life. She is now connected with a local intimate partner violence organization to continue working toward a safer future for herself, and to one day regain custody of her children. 
*Name changed to protect client's privacy.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR L.A. COUNTY RESIDENTS
The California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is now open and accepting applications on a first-come, first-serve basis.
People who have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID‐19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income may be eligible to receive help to pay past due or future rent and utilities from the State of California.

Any L.A. County tenant can apply—with the exception of those in the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Clarita. Rental assistance applications for each of these cities will be available soon.

Landlords and renters can verify eligibility and/or apply by visiting HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833‐430‐2122.
UPCOMING FAIR HOUSING TRAINING
To learn more about the rental assistance programs currently available in L.A. County and fair housing protections for people with mental health disabilities, sign up for MHAS' upcoming training.