The consumer-operated agency Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSP-NJ) (in collaboration with their subsidiary organization Community Enterprise Corporation, CEC) has successfully developed a sup­portive housing model and now serves more than 380 consumers. Since 1985, CSP-NJ has developed programs based on a philosophy of mutual aid that is not primarily diagnosis focused and embraces the fact that there is always hope. They offer a few tips for helping people with mental illness wanting to save money and build assets:

1. Recovery from mental illness is a process. Relapses can often happen due to life stressors or crisis, medication issues or for other reasons. A relapse or reoccurrence of symptoms could be a barrier to achievement of financial goals. We suggest that participants develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), which helps a person plan ahead in case of a crisis. This can be a great tool to prevent a person from withdrawing from the program.
2. Develop Support Systems. Helping a person develop circles of supporters who can remind them of their goals and help them celebrate their accomplishments can be an important factor for success. Help the person identify supporters.
3. Frequent Check-ins. Offering regular support via phone contact is key for helping a person remain focused and motivated towards their goal. Financial services staff should make a regular effort to contact the individual to check in and congratulate them on their efforts toward their goals.
4. Emergency or Short-term Loan Program. Offering a loan program has helped some people who may have otherwise dropped out of the financial service program.
5. Start with Small Asset Purchases. We secured some funds to develop a Savings Club Program so participants could save for smaller assets (computer, bike, etc) to develop the capacity to save for larger assets (homeownership, business and post secondary education). This became a stepping-stone for the longer-term commitment with the IDA. Participants could experience more immediate success and this led to being successful with the IDA.
6. Include Everyone in Financial Training. It has been helpful to also provide financial service training for the direct support staff that provides services to the participants. Many times supporters feel so incompetent in terms of their own finances they lack confidence and skills to be helpful or supportive. Offering support staff (and even family members) can be important so the participant’s supporter system help them sustain their efforts toward completing the program.