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ACCESS-RI is a statewide program of the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island designed to serve people experiencing chronic homelessness who have a diagnosis of mental illness and/or substance abuse.
ACCESS-RI is modeled after a best practice national program ACCESS (Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Supports) with proven success in improving clients clinical symptoms, housing retention and quality of life.
Services Offered
Services include intensive case management for twenty individuals, street outreach, psychiatric services, and coordinated linkages to a variety of services including medical care, legal assistance and substance abuse services.
Population Served
People eighteen years or older who are chronically homeless, (homeless continuously for one year or more, or who have had four episodes of homelessness in the past three years).
Staffing
The ACCESS-RI staff team consists of two case managers, two street outreach workers, a part-time psychiatrist, clinical supervisor and a program director. Special thanks to:
Carol Leveilee, Case Manager
Amanda Carr, Case Manager
Meagan Smith, Shelter Coordinator
Carolyn Williams, Outreach
Joe Buchanan, Outreach
How It Works
The outreach workers engage individuals experiencing homelessness in shelters, and living on the street, or in other places not meant for human habitation, by offering blankets, soup, toothbrushes, clothing and other basic need items. They identify individuals who may have a mental health or substance related problem, and offer case management services from ACCESS-RI staff. Case managers work with these individuals on a long-term basis to assist them in obtaining housing, medical care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, government entitlements and other community services.
In the News
BlueCross/BlueShield recognized the efforts of ACCESS-RI in helping a Vietnam Veteran to get the care he needed, find housing, and re-connect with his son. Read the full article (pdf) here.
Privacy Policy Information
Contact Information
Sheryl Marshall, Program Director
185 Dexter Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-726-2422
Fax 401-726-2404
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