Gesher Human Services testified to the House subcommittee that clubhouses — community-based centers offering employment, education, socialization and housing supports for people with serious mental illness — are cost-effective recovery investments that also support many people with co-occurring substance use disorders.

Eric Edelman of Gesher described the clubhouse model and said Gesher operates one clubhouse in Oakland County and seeks $800,000 to build out a Detroit clubhouse space. He said Gesher has already secured $100,000 in philanthropic support for the project.

Edelman cited evidence that clubhouse participation reduces psychiatric hospitalizations and increases employment. He said clubhouses serve people with mental illness as “members” rather than patients and that the model aligns with SAMHSA-recognized evidence-based practices.

What was not decided: The committee did not approve capital or operating funding for Gesher’s project during the hearing.

Next steps: Gesher offered additional documentation about clubhouse outcomes and potential cost-effectiveness for the committee’s review.