HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-17 Public Comment - D. Aune, MHA - UDC Updates 3Ba cCe I I
Mental Health America
of Montana
August 16, 2017
Bozeman City Commission
City Offices
1221 North Rouse
Bozeman, MT 59715
RE: Bozeman UDC Updates
Dear Commissioners:
MHA of MT was started in 1948 by volunteers to increase understanding about mental health,
improve the lives of persons living with mental illness and work towards better treatment and a
more consumer-driven, recovery-oriented mental health system. The mission for MHA of MT
over 67 years has been "educating and advocating for the mental health of all Montanans". The
message in our work, whether through public policy development, public service
announcements, education to communities, professional conferences, media products,
communication strategies, etc., has been that each individual has value and needs opportunity
to participate in recovery to live their chosen quality of life.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, Mental Health America of Montana strongly supports
adding "Transitional and Emergency Housing and Related Services" as a Conditional Use in all
Zones shown in Article 3 of the proposed UDC, as requested by HRDC. Doing so will provide
the opportunity to streamline and coordinate the services of the many and varied agencies that
work to return individuals and families to full participation in the community.
Proposed action 3.B.a in support of the Bozeman Strategic Plan for FY 2018 states:
Community Service Networks. Work with Gallatin County and other community
partners to identify needs and develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing
mental health, substance abuse and addiction, and housing challenges. Present a
funding proposal for the program to the voters of Gallatin County in the form of an
ongoing mill levy,
Allowing Transitional and Emergency Housing and Related Services in all zones as a
Conditional Use would provide the framework to allow item 3.B.a to be accomplished.
Sinc
an M. Aune
Executive Director
Mental Health America of Montana
-IIducating and Advocating for the Mental Health of all Montanans."
www.montanamentalhealth.org
P.O. Box 88 Bozeman, Montana 59771 P: 406-587-7774 or 877-927-6642 F: 866-740-7098