Hope Network and Network180 are partnering to open a peer respite program offering a new option for people needing support for mental health or substance use.
Still Waters Peer Respite Program is the first of its kind in West Michigan, the second peer respite program in the state and one of 42 such programs across the U.S.
The program operates out of a four-bedroom house at 775 Leonard St. NE in Grand Rapids. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Monday, Sept. 26, to celebrate the launch of Still Waters.
“Michigan is facing a mental health crisis, and Hope Network is committed to being on the forefront of providing the right level of services,” said Hope Network CEO Phil Weaver. “We are honored to work with Network180 to bring the first Peer Respite program to West Michigan to continue to provide high-quality, unique treatments for people in need.”
Held in a home-like environment, Still Waters provides community-based, non-clinical support for guests. The facility serves as a voluntary first step for people looking for assistance in situations that can escalate into crises without external support. Guests admit themselves voluntarily and can stay up to seven nights.
Peer respite is considered a cost-effective alternative to psychiatric hospitalization. People who utilize peer respite are 70% less likely to require inpatient hospitalization, freeing up space for people who are in greater need of inpatient services. Guests also report a 63% increase in the number of days they feel healthier following their stay, and peer respite costs are approximately one-seventh of an inpatient stay, according to a statement by Hope Network and Network180.
“As a community mental health provider, when we expand services, we need to make every dollar count,” said Bill Ward, Network180 executive director. “Being able to increase the number of services available to community members, while reducing overall costs is good for the long-term health of our public mental health care system and the health of the community we serve.”
Still Waters is staffed by peers who have knowledge of available resources for guests and experience in navigating the mental health care system.
Still Waters will be operated by Hope Network and will be open to receive guests on Oct. 3.