Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program

Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program (CHAPS) is a non-profit, consumer-driven organization that was founded in 1988.  From day one, CHAPS has been committed to the mission of supporting consumers of mental health services, advocating for the improvement of local mental health services, and encouraging and enhancing the formation of a consumer self-help network in Crawford County. In addition to our services for those with mental illness, CHAPS provides housing advocacy and support for persons who are homeless or near homeless in Crawford County.  Our housing advocates help individuals and families establish the resources and skills needed to access and maintain decent, affordable, permanent housing.

2024 CHAPS Highlights

• 1,674 individuals received support from CHAPS services
• 248 persons/families were assisted with establishing permanent housing
• 2,562 nights of Emergency Shelter were provided
• 88% of shelter guests exited to permanent housing
• There were 11, 283 visits in the Drop In Center, or an average of 940 visits per month
• 138 youth were supported with navigating and accessing safe, permanent housing
• 75 youth worked on their wellness and recovery skills at our after-school Pathfinders program and Compass Peer Support Program
• 57 members of the Journey Center accessed gainful employment at 36 local businesses and earned over $238,000!
• 5 members of the Journey Center are pursuing higher education. 1 member is obtaining their GED
• CHIPP staff made over 16,000 medication deliveries

Our Programs:

Mental Health Supports

1. Drop In Center
2. Journey Center Clubhouse
3. Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation
4. Certified Peer Support (for adults and teens)
5. Pathfinders (after school program for teens)
6. Community Education and Outreach / Support Groups
7. Representative Payee / Money Management
8. CHIPP Hospital Diversion Program
9. Crisis Peer Aftercare Program (CIT)

Housing Solutions Programs

1. Access Site for Coordinated Entry
2. Housing Advocacy and Case Management
3. Homeless Outreach
4. Community Support Services
5. Permanent Supportive Housing Apartments and Rapid Rehousing for Individuals and Families
6. BRIDGES Temporary Housing Program
7. Emergency Shelter Apartments
8. Liberty House Permanent Supportive Housing for Families
9. Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP)
   • System Navigation
   • Permanent Supportive Housing Apartments
   • Host Homes

CHAPS uses the following beliefs to guide them in providing services:

• Recovery is possible.
• Recovery is the ultimate goal of services.
• Each person has a right to direct their own life. 
• Each person has the capacity to learn and grow.
• All people are to be treated with dignity and respect, in all areas of their lives.
• Being active in one's community is important.
• Cultural and ethnic diversity is viewed as strength.
• It is very important that persons receiving services have the opportunity to give input about the quality of services.