CHI Mercy Health Hospital in Valley City awarded $25,000 grant

FARGO — Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation has awarded CHI Mercy Health Hospital a $25,000 grant that will provide for transitional housing support services for mental health care to individuals experiencing homelessness in Valley City and Barnes County allowing residents to have increased knowledge in life skills along with other health-related services.

The grant was awarded as a part of a Strengthening People, Access, Resources and Knowledge grant that the BCBSND Caring Foundation offers to non-profit organizations. SPARK grants are awarded to community-based initiatives that encourage health and well-being in local communities, reflect community priorities and demonstrate strong local collaborations.

CHI Mercy Health Hospital’s transitional housing program will serve individuals who are recovering from addiction or mental health-related illnesses. The housing offered will be temporary where participants may reside in transitional housing for up to six months and support services will be voluntary. These funds will offer an opportunity for individuals to restart their lives and help with the transition to independent permanent housing.

"The need for additional housing is immensely greater than what is currently being offered in this area," said Colleen Jones, CEO of CHO Mercy Health Hospital." We are here to fill a need through transitional housing to help individuals stabilize living situations, provide links to mental health services and help address barriers to independent and permanent housing. We are so grateful for the funding support through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation SPARK Grant and we look forward to offering much-needed services.”

Transitional housing is an important aspect of overall health, said Pam Gulleson, executive director, BCBSND Caring Foundation.

"The work CHI Mercy Health Hospital is doing to better the health and well-being of North Dakotans is remarkable," Gulleson said. "We are so pleased to provide funding for transitional housing for the Valley City and Barnes Country area. These services will be able to help individuals that are experiencing homeless and get the care they need and deserve and create positive change for the future.”