On-Site Behavioral Health in Shelters

Purpose

The On-Site Behavioral Health in Shelters program is operated by Self Help Addiction Rehabilitation (SHAR) and is designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness with substance use and co-occurring disorders. By offering specialized services, this program provides an additional path to improve housing outcomes, as many people experiencing homelessness may also use substances. 
The program aims to collaborate with shelters, day centers, permanent supportive housing, and rapid rehousing programs in Detroit to:

• Offer support for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (COD),
• Help clients access behavioral health services and other resources that enhance their health, housing stability, and overall well-being.

The Team

SHAR’s outreach team, led by certified Peer Recovery Coaches, are on-site at shelters weekly to offer one-on-one support, counseling, information, resources, referrals, and personalized follow-up with clients.

Peer Recovery Coaches are individuals with lived experience. They do not diagnose or advocate for a specific recovery path but support all positive changes and help clients set and achieve life goals, such as improving relationships, pursuing work, or continuing education.

Peer Recovery Coaches empower clients by encouraging personal decision-making, goal-setting, and self-determination. They are not therapists or sponsors, and their focus is on the present and future, rather than past experiences or trauma.

Key Services:

• Peer Recovery Coaches use their lived experience and training to build trust with individuals in shelters. They assess needs, identify interests, and connect individuals to harm reduction, treatment, recovery support, housing, and other services as needed.
• If a client’s needs are medical, psychiatric, or beyond the scope of the Peer Recovery Coach’s expertise, they will facilitate a seamless warm handoff to the appropriate provider.
• The Peer Recovery Coach will also maintain contact and follow up with individuals to ensure successful and satisfactory connections to the services they require.

How Can My Organization Request Services?

If you're interested in partnering with SHAR to implement this program in your facility, simply fill out a brief contact form. Afterward, you'll receive a call to discuss the potential collaboration. Let’s join forces to improve behavioral health outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness with substance use disorders in Detroit.