NORWICH – In the ongoing effort to provide assistance to area residents with mild mental disabilities, the Chenango County Community Mental Hygiene Services Program has opted to renew a contract with Chenango County Catholic Charities to help provide safe, quality housing for county residents with mental disabilities.

The agreement, renewed annually between Mental Hygiene Services and Catholic Charities, allows the two agencies to work collaboratively to help residents with mental disabilities choose housing, roommates and furniture, and offers financial assistance to pay the ongoing costs. Moreover, the agreement ensures a support system of case management, mental health, rehabilitation, respite, as well as social, employment and health supports by utilizing the professional staff and resources available from Catholic Charities, explained Ruth Roberts, director of Chenango County Community Services.

“We have been very pleased with the quality of housing supports that Catholic Charities has provided over the years,” said Roberts. “Historically, these housing programs have grown more and more important as the state facilities have moved people (with mild mental disabilities) out of institutions and into the community. These folks are successful in living in the community if they can get a little support,” she said.

At their last meeting, members of the Chenango Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution agreeing to the terms of the agreement at a cost of $180,353 – funds that are provided through the New York State Office of Mental Health. According to Roberts, state funding for such programs has been made more available in recent years with a push to include people with mental disabilities into the community.