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10th Annual Award Ceremony Honoring “Housing Heroes”
San Mateo County Health System recognizes individuals who help people with mental health and substance use conditions

News

Finding affordable housing in San Mateo County is more challenging than ever, especially for people who are low-income, or have mental health and/or substance use challenges. A recent report by the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission found the most serious issue facing people with mental health and substance use challenges and family members in San Mateo County is housing instability.

While one in four people have a mental health condition, less than half get the help they need. One way to help is to provide stable, affordable housing so people have the opportunity to recover and maintain wellbeing.

On October 18, San Mateo County leadership and Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, a division of the San Mateo County Health System, will honor individuals who have helped people with mental health and substance use conditions find or stay in housing so they can recover and maintain good health. By promoting health and security, this helps not only the individual but also their family, friends and our entire San Mateo County community.

“In the 10 years we’ve honored Housing Heroes in our community, people are facing more challenges than ever in finding safe and affordable housing,” said David A. Young, PhD, MPH, Director of San Mateo County Health System’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. “Housing is an essential component in the recovery process and maintaining good health. However, people with mental health and substance use conditions are profoundly represented in the housing crisis. The work of our Housing Heroes is more important than ever.”  

The 2017 San Mateo County Change Agent Housing Committee has selected the following recipients as this year’s Housing Heroes:

  • Jo Ellen Chu, HealthRIGHT 360
  • Lisa Collins, Society of St. Vincent de Paul
  • Julia Parmer, Safe Harbor and HealthRIGHT 360
  • Craig and Clarissa Rothe, Prodesse Property Management
  • Perrin and Minerva Salariosa, Portobello Care Home

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 18 from 3 to 4:30pm at the Redwood Shores Library, Community Room, 399 Marine Parkway, in Redwood City. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. More information is available at www.smchealth.org/event/10th-annual-housing-heroes.