Southwest Behavioral Health Services offers a Community Resilience Center which provides a cutting-edge resource in holistic treatment for adults experiencing the effects of severe mental illness, substance abuse, and co-morbid disorders. Participants receive an individualized program based on personal needs and preferences. They use a Recovery Model framework that breaks down barriers and supports success.
Former Infantry Marine Corps veteran, Paul Buttermore serves as the Program Director of Community Resilience. He works with members of the Phoenix community who are often underserved, homeless, and seriously mentally ill.
Buttermore is a champion for those he serves. In addition to reaching out to community leaders to establish support measures and access to care, he helps veterans find a voice and achieve independence by assisting them with basic needs. He also offers support via in-house therapy and skills training. His innovative community program is a solution without walls where Buttermore and members of his team walk the streets to find and assist those in need.
“Everyone is talking about the homeless problem but not the solution,” says Buttermore. “Southwest Behavioral & Health Services programs offer a solution. We go tent to tent to talk to individuals affected by homelessness and see what their needs are. Just because someone is homeless doesn’t mean they are lazy. We need to change the conversation about why people are homeless. Especially in this day where most of us are one paycheck from being homeless.”
As the affordable housing need has skyrocketed, Buttermore and his team strive to keep people housed and make sure they can maintain it. Last year his team helped 153 people go from homeless to housed.
Buttermore’s Community Resilience program finds affordable, supportive housing for individuals and their families. Supports include resources and assistance in obtaining greater independence through household management, volunteering, community activities, job search, and other needed assistance. Support services include help in maintaining health, getting or retaining income, and access to community resources to assist individuals in increasing independence.
“The amazing work of the people around me makes me want to continue to push forward and never become complacent. We do more with less. To see our clients overcome so much can make my struggles seem petty,” he added.
You can learn more about their program online https://www.sbhservices.org/.
