Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc.

Access to Financial Assistance within the Adult Services Division

I. Policy:

It is the policy of Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc. (BMHS) that adult clients who are moving into supported independent housing have basic start up items purchased and ready for move in before occupying a unit of one of the following housing programs: 1) Community Housing Associates (CHA), including those subsidized by the Shelter Plus Care Program (S+C), 2) BMHS' Section 8 certificate program, or 3) moving into independent housing with other landlords. The basic startup items include, but are not limited to the following: a bed, a lamp, a dinette set with two chairs, a sofa, and household items such as sheets, towels, etc. To help individuals obtain these items BMHS has developed two funding sources.

II. Application:

Adult Services Specialist, Adult Services Division.

III. Eligibility:

An adult ( 18 years or older) consumer

A Baltimore City resident who will be residing in Baltimore city; and

meets a clinical evaluation that indicates the individual has a DSM IV diagnosis, inclusive of Schizophrenia (295.00-295.99), Mood Disorder (296.00-296.89), Other Psychotic Disorder (297.00-298.90) or Borderline, or Schizotypal Personality Disorders (301.83 or 301.20-301.22). An abnormality that is manifested only by repeated criminal or otherwise anti-social behavior is excluded; and

IV. Available Assistance:

There are two BMHS financial prograrns available to assist adult consumers with start up expenses. One is a loan program, and the other a grant program. The loan and grant funds are available to eligible consumers who, due to financial constraints, are unable to purchase basic items needed for independent living.

1. Grant Program.

A. An adult consumer who has income from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) of $500.00 or less and meets the criteria stated above is eligible to apply for a grant from BMHS' Census Reduction Initiative (CRI) program. The total amount awarded will not exceed $500.00. The exception is when an adult client has a family. He/She can then apply for additional funding not to exceed $125.00 per person. This additional funding must be used consistent with the basic requirements of the grant program.

B. An adult consumer who receives income between $500.00 (SSI) and $750.00 monthly can apply for a grant up to $250.00. These monies can be used to purchase startup items. An additional $250.00 may be attained by making application through the BMHS no interest loan program.

2. Loan Program:

The loan program purpose is to provide no-interest loans payable in monthly installments over a period of time not to exceed thirty six months. Maximum amount of the loan is $500.00.

Eligible individuals are:

a. An adult client who receives over $500.00 monthly can apply for a BMHS no-interest loan. If the adult is a family member, the loan may be increased by $125.00 per person. This additional funding must be used consistent with the requirements of this policy.

b. An adult client who has applied for SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can apply for a loan with the understanding that once the SSI and/or SSDI is secured, all monies granted will be repaid back to BMHS.

3. Utility Assistance:

Assistance with payment of a BG&E bill is limited to $500.00 as a match to at least one other funding source. This assistance is available as a loan or grant if the aforementioned criteria has been met.

V. Procedures.

Community mental health staff, clients, and advocates can contact staff from BMHS' adult services division to discuss individual cases. Written information is required from the community representative and will consist of the client's name, diagnosis, demographics, income verification, and the purpose of the request. A loan agreement requires an interview and a signature from the client indicating his/her understanding of the program and commitment to repay the loan. Written requests should be directed to BMHS' Adult Services Specialist at 201 E. Baltimore St., Suite 1340, Baltimore, MD 21202 or fax to 410 837-2672.

VI. Standards:

1. Referrals must be initiated by a community representative and will be reviewed and eligibility determined within 3-5 working days from the receipt of the written initial request. In instances where there is a denial of a request, the BMHS Director of Adult Services will be contacted for review.

2. Checks for loans or grants will be made to vendors mail. Invoice(s) must be provided to BMHS from the vendor before a check is issued.