Housing Unlimited – Helping Hundreds of People in Mental Health Recovery Live Independent Lives

How does providing affordable, independent housing through Housing Unlimited improve the quality of life for adults in mental health recovery?

In this episode, our guest is Abe Schuchman, CEO of Housing Unlimited, a Maryland-based nonprofit that provides housing services to individuals with mental health challenges. Abe breaks down their unique shared housing model and focuses on the importance of natural support in shared living environments. He touches on the benefits of portable vouchers and stresses why focusing on people's strengths rather than weaknesses is vital. Join us in this insightful conversation on the importance of accessible housing and the impact of shared living models in providing support and community.

Abe Schuchman has served as Housing Unlimited's Executive Director (now CEO) (HUI) since Housing Unlimited began operations in December 1994. HUI purchased its first home in 1995 and is now a supported living housing nonprofit organization that provides permanent, safe, affordable, and independent housing to more than 230 low-income adults in mental health recovery. Mr. Schuchman, working closely with Housing Unlimited's strong and active Board of Directors and staff, has coordinated all of Housing Unlimited's affordable housing acquisition and management operations to date. 

[00:01 - 07:49] Opening Segment

• Abe introduces Housing Unlimited

Providing housing services to individuals with mental health challenges Promoting community integration and independence through a shared housing model

• A nonprofit housing model focuses on traditional lease elements

[07:50 - 15:51]Collaboration with Support Services for Tenants

• How Housing Unlimited collaborates with other nonprofits for support services

• How to provide natural support and tenant empowerment for shared living environments

• Portable vouchers provide tenants with the opportunity to live independently

[15:52 - 23:34] Live Independent Lives

• What the tenant empowerment program includes

Extra measure property management service and paid tenant internships

• Importance of treating everyone as people first and focusing on their strengths

• Meaningful representation on the staff of former tenants and leaders in mental health recovery

[23:25 - 27:59] Closing Segment

• How to create a supportive and empowering living environment

Connect with Abe on LinkedIn, or visit Housing Unlimited, empowering people in mental health recovery to live independently! 

Key Quotes:

"The most important lesson that I learned early on and has been talked to me in different ways is the importance of treating everyone as people first and focusing on their strengths rather than weaknesses." - Abe Schuchman

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