Rhonda  "I am so happy, absolutely happy, to be in this place," says Rhonda D. about her move into the cozy three-room cottage that sits behind Chalila House proper, but is part of the same program. "I never expected to get a place like this."  ...[more] At OHI, we know that people with mental illness often have a hard time finding safe and affordable housing. We see it all around us, every day. Sometimes homelessness occurs after a psychiatric episode — when people act out in ways that lead to eviction — and homelessness is a common situation for people re-entering the community from an institution. But we also know that a safe living situation is essential before anyone can move ahead and become productive and more independent members of the community. That's why OHI offers a variety of services designed to help people with mental illness access affordable housing — and keep it. We provide No-interest loans for rental deposits and other start-up costs associated with a home or apartment Links to housing subsidies, SSI/SSDI, food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, fuel assistance, local welfare programs, food pantries, self-advocacy and basic skills training. Assistance with lease, first-time homebuyer program, lease-to-buy, and mortgage applications. Apartments with 24/7 support services available, but still allowing people to live as independently as possible. Short-term emergency housing for people with mental illness and their families, including therapeutic and rehabilitative services as needed, as well as community integration services, daily living support and or skills development. Permanent housing in the greater Bangor area that includes therapeutic and rehabilitative services as needed, as well as community integration services, daily living support and or skills development. Contact us if we can help you or someone you know with any of these housing services. The newly renovated Chalila House, which offers eight one-bedroom apartments, was named in memory of Mary Anne Chalila, former director of the Bangor Department of Health and Welfare. Mary Anne was a tireless advocate for the disenfranchised, and Chalila House offers exactly what she envisioned — safe, affordable housing for people making the transition from homelessness, institutionalization, or supported living to independence.