Our Mission: Building community, dignity and hope with people recovering from mental illness and substance use disorders. Background Bonita House, Inc., (BHI) offers intensive residential treatment, supported independent living and case management services for adults dually diagnosed with severe and persistent psychiatric disabilities and substance use disorders. BHI also offers a day socialization program for people living with a serious mental illness. BHI was founded as a mental health agency in 1971. Based on the social rehabilitation treatment model, it was developed as a humane alternative to traditional psychiatric institutionalization. Since 1991, BHI has evolved into a specialized dual-diagnosis agency, while continuing to provide services to mental health clients without a co-occurring substance use disorder. Awards In February of 2007 the Alameda County Board of Supervisors awarded Bonita House a contract to develop a new program made possible with funding from Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act. The new program, Homeless Outreach and Stabilization Team (HOST), will providing housing and supportive services to 90 homeless adults with severe psychiatric disabilities. In January of 2006 Bonita House was recognized in a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services newsletter for exemplary services on behalf of formerly homeless adults with psychiatric and substance use disorders. In the Spring of 2005, using an award from the Housing and Community Development Department, seed money from the Corporation for Supportive Housing, a loan from the Low Income Investment Fund, and a $200,000 grant from the City of Berkeley Department of Mental Health, Bonita House acquired a 6-unit housing complex, the Temescal Apartments, on the Oakland-Berkeley border. This exciting development will provide housing and supportive services to individuals at risk for homelessness. In the Spring of 2004 the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and the California Department of Mental Health published the final report of the Co-Occurring Disorders Workgroup. Bonita House was one of only eight programs in the State of California recognized as treatment models for expansion and replication. In the Fall of 2003 SAMHSA published an "Issue Brief" about Emerging Treatment Models for Persons Who Are Homeless with Co-Occurring Mental Illnesses and Substance Use Disorders. Bonita House, Inc. was one of only two examples from throughout the nation that were used in the publication. In July of 2003 the Federal office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded Bonita House, Inc. with a $1.7 million grant to expand its co-occurring disorder treatment services to adult tenants in Oakland and Berkeley single room occupancy hotels. In 1999, the State of California Department of Mental Health's Assessment of Alameda County Mental Health Service Delivery System quoted on pages 7 and 128: RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM: "The Bonita House has been recognized as an excellent program that meets client needs. Clients suggested replicating this model program so more clients can benefit from this service. The Bonita House provides a challenging and supportive environment for consumers. Clients work closely with staff and are active in developing the weekly programming and planned activities. In this enriched environment, clients express that they are motivated to better themselves. Alameda County is encouraged to develop other alternative living arrangements modeled after the Bonita House." SUMMARY: "The replication of the Bonita House model in development of other sites is also highly recommended. Rehabilitation oriented programs offered as a component of daily activities in residential care facilities are highly desirable. The expansion of supported living environments to allow clients the ability to develop the necessary skills to live independently is a recommendation from consumers, families, and providers." In 1996, in honor of our 25th anniversary, we received special commendation for distinguished service from the U. S. House of Representatives, County of Alameda, and the City of Berkeley. We were chosen in 1993 by the Center for Mental Health Studies/Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (National Institutes of Health) to produce a manual of our services for use nationally by programs developing dual diagnosis services. In 1990, Care of the Seriously Mentally Ill, a rating of State programs, published by the Public Citizen Health Research Group and National Alliance for the Mentally Ill stated on page 132: "California has a number of good housing programs including...Bonita House in Berkeley." To obtain further information or copies of these documents, please email info@bonitahouse.org. See more of our successes Licenses Licensed by State Department of Social Services Certified by the State Department of Mental Health Affiliations California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies California Council of Community Mental Health Agencies California Association of Non-Profits Alameda Council of Community Mental Health Agencies United Way affiliate agency 501C3 Status Home | Contact | About | Services | Jobs | Resources