TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local non-profit organization has been providing housing for those with a severe or persistent mental illness and history of homelessness for over 25 years.
Tanglewood is a housing complex in west Topeka that is part of Community Action’s affordable housing program that provides quality and safe housing. Since its establishment in 2001, Community Action has partnered with Astra Mental Health & Recovery and the City of Topeka for its day-to-day operations.
“This place is amazing, it is one of the only places in Topeka where an individual can not only live independently but also have those case management services on site,” said Carrie Higgins with the City of Topeka. “The community here is like a family. It is really unique and really great. I would say, if anything, we need more places like this in the community.”
Tanglewood offers case management services on-site where people can get professional help. Emily Packer with the Astra Mental Health & Recovery stressed the importance of services on-site.
“The importance of providing case management services in the community versus a hospital is that it helps build independence and creates an empowering environment,” Packer said. “One thing I want people to know about Tanglewood is that this is often the first opportunity that a person has to be successful, and that is life changing and it impacts the community positively as well.”
Community Action’s Executive Director Alicia Walker wants people to know these services are available for those who need it.
“I’m not sure the community knows about Tanglewood, so I’m hopefully that after this meeting today, the community will understand the importance of Tanglewood and how we’ve taken individuals from homeliness and allowed them to be in a space where there is safety, there is support, but also they’ve built a family here,” Walker said.
To donate or find more information about Community Action, click here.
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