Housing support offered for Richmond young adults with mental health needs

published on January 26, 2024 by Vikki Hui in Richmond News

A housing support program is hoping to offer personalized help to young adults in Richmond who are struggling with mental health and substance use issues.

“Many (young adults) suffer from not only mental health issues and addictions, but when they’re homeless or precariously housed, they really are in need of some tailored services to assist them, to give them a brighter future into their adult life,” said Andrew Neale, VCH’s occupational therapist for mental health housing services.

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions announced Friday a $1.57 million investment over three years to expand Richmond’s complex-care housing program for young adults.

The Transitioning Out Program, run by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), helps adults with complex care needs find housing and get back on their feet before transitioning to living independently.

It was expanded last year to add 10 new spaces for young adults between 19 and 30 years old due to increasing demand in the city…