Sanctuary House is proud to announce a major initiative aimed at addressing one of the most pressing needs in Guilford County: the lack of safe, affordable housing for adults living with serious mental illness. As part of this strategic effort, the organization has engaged Erin Stratford Owens as a consultant to help guide the possibility of developing an independent living community that will provide not just housing, but comprehensive, wrap-around support to foster community integration and overall wellness.
Sanctuary House has long been a leader in providing mental health services in the region, and the success of its Hillcrest House—where nine residents receive 24/7 care—has underscored the impact that stable housing, coupled with supportive services, can have on mental health outcomes. Building on this foundation, Sanctuary House is exploring the expansion of its housing model to create permanent supportive housing that integrates individualized care, including employment assistance, medical services, and substance abuse counseling.
In 2023, Sanctuary House made the strategic decision to close its long-standing social entrepreneurial program, A Sweet Success Bakery, to reallocate resources towards this new housing initiative. This move highlights the organization’s unwavering commitment to addressing the critical housing shortage and ensuring that adults with serious mental illness have access to the stable, supportive environments they need to thrive.
“Through the years, Sanctuary House has become a local authority in mental health, offering unique supportive services that align our members with wrap-around care,” says Jodi Lorenzo, CEO of Sanctuary House. “Housing is a basic need. It contributes to healthier lives, neighborhoods and stronger communities. Partnering with community resources is a natural next step to leverage our organization’s strategic goals as we seek to prepare our future and the expansion of residential services.”
Stratford Owens is a seasoned nonprofit professional and consultant with over 18 years of experience in navigating organizational transitions, building capacity, and achieving mission-driven goals. As Board Chair of the Guilford County Continuum of Care, Stratford Owens has demonstrated her commitment to community development and affordable housing.
Stratford Owens will facilitate a thorough needs assessment and engage with the community to ensure that the project achieves its goal of residential support with individualized care integration. This innovative approach will combine housing with comprehensive integrative services such as employment support, medical care, and clinical outpatient services, ensuring that residents receive the holistic care they need. This model is inspired by successful examples like King’s Ridge in Raleigh and Moore Place in Charlotte, but with a unique focus on adult-centered care, reflecting Sanctuary House’s expertise.
“We have seen through our residential program, Hillcrest House, that the support we provide as well as our array of programs offer stability,” says Lorenzo. “If we expand housing on top of that, it’s a recipe for success.”
As Sanctuary House further builds upon this housing expansion, the organization has also enlisted partnership with the City of Greensboro’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Department.