H.O.M.E.S. Inc. - Helping Our Mentally ill Experience Success



Muffin Spencer-Devlin Mental Health Classic Golf Tournament At the Annual Mental Health Golf Classic, join community members and friends while participating in one of the most social and relaxing of sports. LPGA champion Muffin Spencer-Devlin, serves as honorary chairperson for the event. The day includes golf, long-drive and putting demonstrations, a delectable dinner, live and silent auctions and an awards ceremony. The variety of activities and lively group who participate ensure that the event is always a hit. Click here for our 2010 event flyer! Click here to make a Reservation or to get More Info! Annual Winemaker Event At the annual winemaker event, H.O.M.E.S. guests are treated to an array of award-winning wines, paired with outstanding food and a silent auction featuring a collection of unique items. Attendees may eat, drink and be merry while enjoying a relaxing evening away from home. Held every fall, no one should miss this pleasurable event. 2009 Holiday Wine & Jazz Showcase Information	Click above for pictures from our 2009 event
	Click above for pictures from our 2009 event

23% of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder, and of those with a severe mental illness, one in 20 is homeless. Five to seven percent of mentally ill adults are currently institutionalized, but most can live independently with supportive services such as those provided by HOMES. Although it is a local organization, HOMES works to increase national awareness of housing problems faced by the mentally ill. HOMES staff members take part in events that educate others about the challenges posed by fulfilling the housing needs of the mentally ill, including those who are homeless, and ways to overcome them. Events include:
Annual “Meeting of the Minds” conference Annual Housing Conference in Orange County Kennedy Commission and HUD Conference in Las Vegas Presentations about mental illness and treatment at Trinity United Presbyterian Church Family members and clients are typical attendees at many of these events. Others include community groups who work with Orange County’s mentally ill population such as law enforcement, hospitals, clinics and mental health providers. Pharmaceutical companies also participate in many of these activities.

In 2005, HOMES organized the first Mountain Respite Camp for residents and alumni. This was a weekend excursion to the San Bernadino Mountains for 35 clients, who enjoyed a climbing course, archery, arts & crafts, campfire program, and other activities. The subsidized cost of $70 per person included transportation, two nights’ lodging in a cabin, all food and activities for the weekend. Through donations, several campers who could not afford to pay received full or partial scholarships. The camp was such a great success, in 2006 it was extended to three nights and 52 mentally ill individuals attended. In addition to HOMES residents and alumni, clients from other mental health agencies were invited to participate, creating an opportunity for people to make new friends. New activities included mountain bikes and volleyball. Since then, attendance has grown every year with 97 campers attending the most recent trip in 2009. The Mountain Respite Camp provides clients with a “vacation from mental illness,” as one participant expressed it. The emphasis is on relaxation, socialization, and the opportunity to challenge oneself with new activities. All Orange County mental health clients are invited to apply for the annual HOMES Mountain Respite Camp. Currently, the Mountain Respite Camp is being organized by a group of camp alumni committed to continuing the Mountain Respite Camp as a yearly activity. Click here for the 2010 camp flyer and registration form.

Every year, the mental health community of Orange County hosts a picnic for mental health clients and their family at Centennial Regional Park in Santa Ana. The picnic includes free food and drinks for all attendees, live concert and dancing, carnival and group games, face painting, and the famous watermelon eating contest. Click here to see pictures from last year's event.