THE BEGINNING
Places for People (PfP) was founded in 1972 to provide housing and mental health services to people being discharged from the St. Louis State Psychiatric Hospital. This downsizing process, also known as deinstitutionalization, affected more than 3,500 people in the St. Louis area throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. While many discharged patients entered private nursing homes or privately-run boarding homes, countless others quickly became homeless, especially those who were poor and seriously ill.
While some discharged patients could return to the care of their families, there were many whose families were unwilling or unable to provide shelter and assistance -- a great number of others simply had no family members left to care for them. Many of PfP’s earliest clients had also spent years – if not a majority of their lives – in structured, routine, and often isolated institutionalized care. Many lacked the personal and social skills needed to live independently in the community.
In its infancy, PfP was entirely volunteer-run. Off-duty doctors and social workers from the state hospital provided housing, healthcare and support services to the growing ranks of individuals who needed more support than was available through existing mental health programs. Realizing the immediate need for housing, Places for People opened Missouri’s first supported apartment program for people living with serious mental illness.
GROWTH
PfP also recognized there was a need for a skills-building environment that offered a social outlet and a support system for its clients. PfP hired its first full-time employee and opened St. Louis’ first PsychoSocial Rehabilitation Center in 1975. This facility is more frequently referred to as The Club and its doors have been open every day of the year since its inception 31 years ago. It soon became apparent that the growing number of people being helped to live in independent housing needed more support and care than could be provided by The Club staff and volunteers. The agency began hiring employees through a contractual relationship with Missouri Department of Mental Health.
CHANGE
Within a decade of its opening, the agency developed the first psychiatric group home in St. Louis. In response to a growing need for affordable housing during the 1990’s, PfP began providing low income apartments and emergency shelter for people who were homeless and living with psychiatric disorders. In 2004, the agency expanded its efforts by opening CJ’s Place which offers housing, support and care for people living with mental illness, addiction disorders and/or HIV/AIDS.
THE FUTURE
PfP continues to grow and offer innovative programs and housing options for people living with severe psychiatric disorders while remaining firm in its belief that people living with mental illness can lead fulfilling and independent lives in our community.
The challenge for the future is solidifying these achievements by securing ongoing and renewable funding for programs and services.
Show your Support for Places for People:
Places for People
4130 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
Tel: 314-535-5600
Fax: 314-535-6037
Toll-Free: 800-584-3930
www.placesforpeople.org
