Grant in Action: Compassion United

Compassion United, a leading non-profit dedicated to serving the homeless and vulnerable populations of Montgomery County, is proud to announce the transformative impact of the Community Health Improvement Grant awarded by St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands Hospital. This crucial funding has propelled Compassion United’s mission forward, establishing a more dignified and robust support system for individuals experiencing homelessness and those battling mental health challenges.

The significant grant has been instrumental in the official opening of Compassion United’s new Day Center in late October, marking a pivotal moment in the organization's capacity to serve. This state-of-the-art facility now hosts all essential services in a cleaner, more official, and most importantly, more private environment.

“The St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands grant has allowed us to create a space that truly respects the dignity of our clients,” says Luke Redus, Founder and CEO of Compassion United. “We can now offer a more private and secure setting for all the vital services we provide, from health information tracking to mental health support, ensuring those we call clients feel seen and valued.”

A key allocation of the grant funds has been directed towards bolstering Compassion United’s mental health and recovery services, a critical need given that the organization operates a RE/Act stands for Recovery Education for Addictions and Complex Trauma - providing a safe, loving and respectful environment with programs that address the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of healing for people who suffer from addictions, mental unwellness and spiritual brokenness.

Addressing the Myriad Causes of Homelessness: A Trauma-Informed Approach

Compassion United understands that homelessness is often a byproduct of deeper societal issues, with mental health struggles and trauma at the forefront. A staggeringly large percentage of individuals struggling with addiction have a history of trauma, highlighting the interconnectedness of these challenges.

“Our goal is to help people regulate their nervous system, which is often in a chronic fight-or-flight response due to trauma,” explains Karla Redus, Director of Empowerment Services at Compassion United. “This chronic state significantly limits their ability for long-term planning and moving forward. The grant allows us to provide the specialized counseling and coaching needed to address these underlying issues.”

The impact of this expanded mental health support is already evident in the lives of individuals like Michael. Michael, who is neurodivergent, struggled profoundly after losing his mother. Disconnected from his primary caregiver and put into a shelter, he found it difficult to process emotions and regulate himself. Through the counseling services funded by the grant, Michael has learned to process his emotions, regulate himself, maintain a job, and is now independently housed.

Similarly, Gary, who faced a prolonged struggle with sobriety, has found connection and individual counseling through the grant-supported services. He is now actively working towards stabilization and housing, demonstrating the profound ripple effect of personalized, trauma-informed care. The grant also provides a safe haven and community for women in abusive situations, empowering them to take the crucial steps towards a brighter future.

Comprehensive Support Beyond the Day Center Walls

The Day Center, serving 70-120 people daily, acts as a vital hub to access a wide array of services, thanks to the collaborative efforts of 35 community partners including Salvation Army, Angel Reach, and Hands of Justice. The St. Luke’s Health grant has further strengthened these partnerships and enhanced Compassion United’s ability to offer:

• Transitional housing and a dedicated women’s shelter
• Homeless diversion services
• Assistance with vital records
• In partnership with Interfaith, access to medical services and insurance
• Low-cost phones for job searches and doctors' appointments
• Comprehensive housing assessments
• Expanded mental health services for all Montgomery County residents living 200% below the poverty line, addressing a previous two-year waitlist for counseling

Data-Driven Progress and Specialized Care

In just a short time, the impact of the grant-funded counseling has been dramatic. Data reveals:

• 332 counseling sessions have been conducted.
• 63 clients have received individualized support, with 44 engaging with LPCs and 19 with professional certified coaches.
• By utilizing initials and birthdays, Compassion United effectively tracks client progression and goals, with 91.9% reporting significant progress.
• The team comprises 9 LPCs and 1 professional certified mental health coach. A triage system, led by the coach, ensures appropriate assessments and diagnoses.
• Certified counselors offer diverse specialties, catering to LGBT needs, childhood abuse, gender-specific support, and varied backgrounds.

Empowering Futures: Goals and Beyond

The overarching goals of the grant-supported initiatives are clear: fostering independent living, encouraging sobriety, setting healthy family boundaries, facilitating family reunification, and securing and maintaining employment.

The Community Health Improvement Grant from St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands has not just provided funding; it has ignited a new era of hope and healing for Montgomery County.

St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands Hospital

St. Luke's Health–The Woodlands Hospital offers leading-edge treatments and services to North Harris and Montgomery counties. The hospital offers expertise in a broad range of services, including heart care, neurology, and sports medicine. Using the latest technological advances and standards of care, the hospital’s board-certified medical staff, expert nurses, and allied health professionals provide compassionate and comprehensive care in inpatient and outpatient settings. St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands’ clinical affiliations include Baylor College of Medicine, the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Texas Children’s Hospital. St. Luke’s Health is a member of CommonSpirit. Learn more at commonspirit.org/woodlands.