HUDSON — Daniel Lee, 33, had been living in a tiny, dilapidated room in Moon Lake. The ceiling was caving in. So was the floor, which collapsed one day and sent him crashing through, an accident made worse by the fact that he has only one leg and lives with a diagnosed mental illness.
His was the kind of life that can spiral into despair, drug use, crime, thoughts of suicide or complete disengagement from society. But Vincent House saved him.
A nonprofit mental health organization in Hudson, Vincent House is structured as a clubhouse, providing people with mental illness opportunities for friendship, employment, housing and education. As a member, Lee got the full support of the Vincent House staff and, most recently, the greatest gift he could have hoped for — a new home.
Vincent House held a dedication ceremony March 30 at its Denton Avenue location — it also has branches in Pinellas and Hernando counties — attended by about 150 supporters, local and state officials and sponsors. Behind the administration building and clubhouse sat the first four of what will be 39 modular homes of 600 square feet each. One of the first has Lee’s name on it, and he will be moving in soon.
So will friend and fellow member Hattie Pettit, 23. She lives with her parents but, like many members, longs for independence and “my own space,” she said, adding she wants to “be next to all my friends.”
The homes fulfill a dream not just for members but for the founders of Vincent House, Elliott and Dianne Steele, and the staff, who have long wanted to provide housing with subsidized rent, said Karis Kaeser, executive director of the Pasco operation.
Kaeser cited statistics showing that people with mental illness are far more likely to fall into lives of crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and homelessness.
“Many live in unsafe housing, so being able to provide homes is important, particularly since we lost more than 1,800 units from the hurricanes here,” she said.
Using grant money and donations, Vincent House has paid for the first 15 modular homes and must raise funds for the rest, Kaeser said. At buildout, the subdivision will have 39 homes, with roads and driveways through a landscaped community where members can stroll to neighboring houses to visit friends.
“One of the best things is it comes with built-in friends and neighbors,” Lee said. “I already know a lot of them, and it will be great having them so close.”
Pettit agreed, and expects to move into her home soon.
“It’s nice to be next to friends and have all that love and support,” she said. “I live with my parents, and that’s good, but with this I will have more independence.”
About 100 Vincent House members are on the waiting list for housing in Pasco, Kaeser said.
“Many are living in tiny rooms, don’t have cars and are struggling,” she said. “We are trying to help as many as we can.”
Vincent House depends heavily on donations, and those interested in supporting it can contribute at vincenthouse.org. The organization also offers tours. People facing mental health challenges can join at no cost through the website.
Among the services offered are training for job interviews and resume writing, employment assistance, activities and education, as well as field trips and cooking classes, all designed to help members become self-sufficient. The clubhouse is an inviting place, with coffee, smoothies and snacks, where events and gatherings are regularly held.
The Steeles conceived Vincent House after their daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia and they struggled to find services or programs that could help her manage problems related to her illness. Formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Vincent House received word from the state Department of Children and Families that it would get funding in 2003. With donated supplies, furniture and “an ice chest for a refrigerator and a grill for a stove, the doors opened” Jan. 20, 2003, serving adults 18 and older.
Vincent House was built on the clubhouse model championed by Clubhouse International, which has accredited it. The model provides members with a community and support group that helps them follow a “path towards fulfilling and productive lives.”
