With appropriate treatment and support, they can lead fulfilling lives. However, negative stereotypes and stigmas associated with mental illness often hinder those with mental illness from seeking treatment. It is important for communities to confront the attitudes, fears, and misunderstandings that create barriers to treatment and offer support to those dealing with mental illness. Today begins construction of Habitat Hope House the first Habitat for Humanity home in the nation to be built exclusively by volunteers with mental health challenges, their families, and mental health caregivers. The Habitat Hope House project serves as a model for breaking down the stigma of mental illness and demonstrates that people can come together to help others.
Forest is committed to supporting education and awareness of mental illness.
We believe this project sets an example of people from various walks of life joining together to overcome misperceptions. The individuals benefiting from this project are the Williams and Taylor families. Darryl Taylor and his family currently live in substandard conditions and have put in over 300 hours of sweat equity towards a down payment for their home. A recent widower, Mr. Taylor was left alone with his three-year daughter, Angel. Compeer unites the community in its effort to understand and cope with mental illness by bringing together the therapist, the consumer, and the volunteer - each one a unique representative of the community.