Park City and Summit County face unique housing challenges due to demographics and a rapidly growing population. In particular, individuals with mental health challenges especially struggle to find adequate and affordable housing. Summit County Clubhouse was founded in 2019 to meet the needs of adults with mental health challenges — including housing. The Clubhouse has seen meaningful success in helping community members through hard work, creativity, persistence, and collaboration with community partners. However, some challenges remain, such as zoning laws that limit Clubhouse expansion and a lack of consensus about how best to address the housing shortfall. Still, there are many powerful success stories to share. A local in need In 2024, a potential member walked into the Clubhouse who appeared to be in his late 50s. He shared that his name was Brent and he was barely managing to get by. He lived out of his car and said it was the only place he had to sleep at night that felt warm and safe. On top of this, he faced potentially losing his car because it had been parked in the same place for an extended period without moving. Brent did not fit into the common perception of someone experiencing homelessness. He had a master’s degree in organizational management, was a father of four children, and had previously had a beautiful home. However, he was also managing mental health challenges and had experienced a family crisis that caused him to lose his job and become homeless. He now needed shelter and employment. Brent was introduced to the clubhouse and given a tour. He was happy to find out that it opens every holiday and helps decrease isolation. As Brent became more involved, he began rebuilding his confidence by volunteering and choosing projects he enjoyed. He often volunteered to drive the van to pick up members or welcomed visiting guests with a tour of the clubhouse. It often takes more than therapy and medications for a person to find recovery. Housing provides the stability that members need to move forward in their lives. The Clubhouse had access to temporary housing through a partnership with Deer Valley. Deer Valley provides seasonal housing for their employees, which is vacant during the spring and summer months from April through October. During that time, Clubhouse asked if they could offer a few rooms to our members experiencing homelessness for affordable rent. Their management was very generous and accommodating. Brent qualified for housing, but he faced employment barriers because he was considered overqualified — prolonging the time it took to find a job. I met with one of our local business partners to ask whether he would be willing to hire Brent based on the information I had given him, and he responded with such positivity, “Bring him in!”  Brent now has permanent employment and has since moved into permanent housing. He continues to come to the Clubhouse to volunteer when he is not working. His story is a success, but it did not happen overnight and the Clubhouse could not have done it alone. It was made possible through the powerful collaboration of community partners who wanted to be part of making a difference. What Clubhouse can do Summit County Clubhouse is one of six Clubhouses in Utah and one of more than 370 Clubhouses worldwide operating under the Clubhouse International model. The model is effective because clinical therapy does not take place at the Clubhouse, allowing members to feel empowered rather than treated as patients. Research from Clubhouse International shows that members who actively attend Clubhouse experience fewer hospitalizations and incarcerations. This year, 43 members have received housing support, including rent assistance, security deposits, and help with applications. We have housed eight members in units secured by the Clubhouse — four in master-leased units and four in employee housing units. Of those eight members, six returned to work and are now part of the local workforce. Since 2024, we have housed 23 members in units secured by the Clubhouse. 17 members have secured permanent housing or remain stably housed in our units. Meaningful changes Another success story is Patricia, who was referred to us after graduating from her rehabilitation program. Her goals were to secure employment and housing. However, Patricia was trying to recover in a household where a family member was still using substances. She said, “I don’t want to slide backwards when I have worked so hard to overcome my use, plus I really wanted to change for my kids.”  With support from the Clubhouse, Patricia secured a job with one of our nonprofit partners, Habitat for Humanity, as well as temporary housing through the clubhouse. Patricia shared, “I love my job and the people I work with. I can’t believe how my life changed this year. My daughters talk more to me now because I’m more reliable, and I have a job and housing now. But most of all, I’m clean!” Summit County Clubhouse helps transform the lives of our members through our housing program, only made possible by an incredible network of community partnerships. Luisa Katoa is the program director for Summit County Clubhouse. This is part of a series of guest columns coordinated through the Summit County Housing Authority. The post Clubhouse transforms lives through housing program appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less