Homeless Recovery Center

Opened on November 22, 2005, the Homeless Recovery Center provides treatment to homeless individuals with mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse. The center is open from 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM, 365 days per year.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in Washington DC awarded a five year grant of $2 million to provide an Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT Team). The ACT team provides comprehensive, highly individualized treatment and supportive services for individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Partners in the project include SC Department of Mental Health, Columbia Area Mental Health Center and Lexington-Richland Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council (LRADAC).

This innovative program provides intensive services needed for homeless individuals with mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse to recover meaningful lives while making the transition from homelessness to supported or independent living. Since the center is open every day, year-round, it maximizes access to services and provides a safe alternative to the streets for this vulnerable population.

Services include outreach, case management, mental health and substance abuse treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation. The treatment program also includes Peer Support Services provided by individuals who are in recovery from a mental illness. These Peer Support Specialists provide counseling to participants and have been trained and certified by the SC Department of Mental Health.

This program is one of the first in the Midlands to address the issues of homelessness and mental illness jointly. According to PATH (Projects for Assistance in the Transition from Homelessness), it is estimated that more than 400 homeless mentally ill live in Richland County. The Homeless Recovery Center offers this population a safe alternative to the streets and an opportunity to secure supported or independent housing.

The goals of the program are to assist members in reducing symptoms of mental illness, in-patient hospitalization, emergency treatment and to improve abstinence from alcohol or drug use. Members will also improve social and daily living skills, increase income and sustain housing.

For more information, please contact MIRCI at (803) 786.1844 or mail@mirci.org.