Lamplighter Place

Not far from the UMOM New Day Centers main campus is Lamplighter Place, home to 16 single individuals, half of whom are seriously mentally ill.

In the 1950s a national push for the de-institutionalization of mentally ill persons resulted in funding cuts for support of state facilities. Many of these individuals took medication that helped them function in a relatively normal manner. The assumption was made, incorrectly, that they would maintain their medication and could therefore function in society.

Consequently, 30% of the homeless population suffers from mental illness. In 1991, UMOM New Day Centers took a “next step” toward alleviating the situation by offering permanent housing for this population. Due to county regulations, we are limited to providing 8 Lamplighter Place units to seriously mentally ill homeless individuals.