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Human services director urges housing board to coordinate mental‑health supports with housing providers
Summary
Allison, New Shoreham's human services director, told the Housing Board that housing instability is worsening mental illness locally and urged better coordination with housing providers, outreach to mental‑health professionals and improved tenant communication.
Allison, the town’s human services director, told the New Shoreham Housing Board that she is seeing a clear link between housing instability and mental‑health problems on Block Island and asked the board to improve coordination among housing providers and service agencies.
She said housing uncertainty increases stress, anxiety and depression and can lead to job loss, and that residents are increasingly seeking help from her office. “There is definitely a correlation between people not having a roof over their head… and depression and anxiety,” Allison said.
Allison asked the board how it works with the Block Island Housing Entity (referred to in the meeting as “BED”) and other housing providers to resolve tenant complaints, maintenance and enforcement questions. Board members replied that housing projects were developed by different entities and therefore have differing rules and enforcement mechanisms; one board member said BED is responsible for the bulk of certain properties on the island, including houses on Westside Road, Coast Guard Road and Bakers Hill.
The board and Allison discussed practical next steps: compiling an inventory of projects and which agency operates each; convening a small working group or “subcommittee” of stakeholders; and inviting local or state‑level mental‑health professionals to brief the board. Allison suggested outreach such as a survey or targeted interviews of counselors who work with the island community to help identify the most pressing needs. “A survey maybe…something along those lines,” Allison said when asked whether she could provide a prioritized list of needs.
Board members emphasized communication as an immediate, low‑cost action: making sure tenants can learn where they stand on waiting lists and who to contact about repairs, and posting clear information to the public. One member suggested holding a focused “housing summit” with a short agenda and one speaker per participating organization to avoid an unfocused meeting.
The board agreed to work with Allison on convening interested stakeholders and to consider a follow‑up subcommittee or meeting to identify specific actions and possible funding opportunities. Allison offered to assist with outreach and to compile existing survey materials and contacts.
The exchange took place during the board’s public‑comment period and during item discussion; board members noted that the board’s primary statutory role is housing development and that building housing remains its main tool for addressing community needs, but that coordination with service providers could improve outcomes.
Allison requested the board and BED share contact points and the project inventory so her office can close the communication gap for tenants seeking help. The board agreed to follow up.
