Author: Krissey Browder Masotti

Thrive Celebrates Pride Month!

 

Two women standing arm in arm waving pride flags. There is a title that says "Happy Pride Month!"

Trigger warning: This article discusses mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide. Please take care of yourself and avoid reading if these topics could be triggering.

June is here, bringing the start of summer, warm sunny days perfect for outdoor activities, and a beautiful array of rainbow flags to celebrate Pride Month! As we embrace this season of joy and individuality, it’s essential to recognize the unique challenges the LGBTQIA+ community faces daily.

Mental Health and the LGBTQIA+ Community

Did you know that approximately 4.5% of the U.S. population identifies as gay, lesbian, or bisexual? Mental health is a significant concern within this community, with over 39% of LGBTQIA+ individuals reporting having a mental illness in the past year – that’s roughly 5.8 million people! This high prevalence is linked to social stigma, discrimination, and the denial of civil and human rights, often leading to psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. The transgender community is particularly vulnerable, especially given the often unstable and hostile political climate. In the last year, 48% of transgender adults reported having considered suicide, compared to just 4% of the overall population.

Homelessness and Housing Instability

The stigma and discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community extend beyond individual mental health. In 2022, 28% of LGBTQIA+ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives. This alarming statistic often stems from rejection by caregivers or parents due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, fear of discrimination or harassment from community resources or peers can make seeking support difficult.

Thrive’s Promise

At Thrive, we are dedicated to ending the stigma. Our services are open to everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. We believe there should be no barriers to stable housing and mental health support, and we are here to help our community thrive.

As we celebrate Pride Month and the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community, we encourage everyone to hold space for those who may be struggling with their mental health. If you or someone you know could benefit from Thrive’s services, please reach out to us at 828-697-1581.

Happy Pride!

Thriving Quarterly: June 2024 Edition

Keep up to date on all things Thrive! Check out the PDF of our June newsletter below.

June 2024 Newsletter

Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month: Promoting Wellness and Recovery in Western NC

Green ribbon stretches across the screen with "May is Mental Health Awareness Month" as the title

May is a special month for all of us at Thrive and for communities across the nation. Since it’s establishment in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) has been dedicated to raising awareness about the crucial role mental health plays in our overall well-being. For over 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has led this important initiative, providing valuable resources and information to support individuals and communities in need.

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the importance of mental health in our lives. Mental wellness is just as vital as physical health, and this month serves as a reminder that recovery is possible and should be celebrated.

At the Clubhouse Day Program, we are proud to be part of this movement. Our program supports adults with severe and persistent mental illness, helping them learn essential skills, set and achieve personal goals, and build meaningful relationships. By providing a safe and supportive environment, we empower our members to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

This May, we encourage you to join us in raising awareness and advocating for mental health. Whether it’s sharing resources, participating in local events, or simply having an open conversation about mental wellness, every action counts. Together, we can create a community where mental health is prioritized and celebrated.

If you or someone you know needs support, please give us a call at 828-697-1581 to see if the Clubhouse is a good fit!

Let’s use Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to connect, support, and inspire each other. Remember, mental health matters every day of the year, and together, we can make a difference.

#YouMatterHendo

Celebrating 56 Years of the Fair Housing Act

On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B Johnson signed into law the Fair Housing Act, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights. This landmark legislation made discrimination in housing illegal, with Johnson declaring that “fair housing for all – all human beings who live in this country – is now a part of the American way of life.”

This Act, in its current form, protects individuals from discrimination when buying, renting, or securing financing for housing.

Today, 56 years later, housing advocates continue the battle for fairness in housing, striving to uphold the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

Initially, the Act safeguarded against discrimination based on five characteristics: sex, race, color, religion, and national origin. In 1988, it was amended to include disability and family status as protected classes. Different states and regions have personalized this list to fit their needs. North Carolina further extended these protections by adding several additional characteristics, including:

  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Citizenship status
  • Age
  • Military status or service.

This means that individuals cannot be discriminated against due to any of these factors when seeking housing in various settings, including group homes, apartments, single-family homes, migrant housing, shelters, or long-term transient lodging.

While the Fair Housing Act represents progress, we still have work to do to ensure its effective implementation. In 2022, there were a staggering 33,007 reports of housing discrimination – the highest number of complaints received in a single year to date.

Thrive’s Housing Program

At Thrive, we strive to secure safe and permanent housing for everyone. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing homelessness, please check out the details of our housing program and reach out to us at 828-697-1581 to join our by-name waitlist.

We also invite landlords interested in making a positive impact in the community to partner with Thrive. Click here to review our Landlord Information Booklet.

Join us in commemorating 56 years of the Fair Housing Act and our ongoing commitment to creating inclusive and equitable housing opportunities for everyone.