Housing is Healing: Mental Health Awareness Month

Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month invites us to come together to break the stigma, talk openly about our emotional well-being, and advocate for access to care. But for the individuals and families we serve — people living without stable housing — mental health care isn’t just a matter of awareness. It’s urgent. It’s life-changing. And all too often, it’s out of reach.

The Link Between Mental Health and Homelessness

Mental illness doesn't cause homelessness on its own — but without access to health care, stable income, and safe housing, people living with mental health challenges are at higher risk of falling into homelessness. Conversely, the trauma of living unsheltered — facing violence, isolation, and daily instability — can severely worsen mental health conditions or trigger new ones.

We see the impact every day:

• Survivors of domestic violence living with PTSD

  
  

• Veterans battling untreated depression and substance use

  
  

• Youth and LGBTQ+ individuals turned away from families, coping with anxiety, trauma, and fear

  
  

• Alaskans who use substances to cope with mental health challenges leading to addiction

  
  

Behind every statistic is a human being — someone’s parent, sibling, friend — who deserves dignity, healing, and hope.

Our Approach: Peer Support and Lived Experience

That’s why we go beyond shelter. We meet people where they are — not just with services, but with real connection and understanding from people who’ve walked similar paths. Our work is grounded in compassionate, trauma-informed care, led by staff with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, or recovery themselves.

We believe in the power of peer support — the kind of empathy and encouragement that comes from someone who truly gets it. That includes:

• Referrals to substance use recovery rooted in harm reduction and dignity

  
  

• Peer-led counseling and support groups

  
  

• Life skills coaching from mentors who’ve been there

  
  

• A healing-centered community where people feel seen, heard, and valued

  
  

When people have a safe place to sleep and someone who truly understands them, healing becomes possible. Belonging grows. Stability follows. And people can begin to rebuild futures full of possibility and purpose.

Fueling the Future and Getting Noticed 

We’re also thrilled to share that Henning Inc. recently received a shoutout from Fairview Elementary for our leadership and impact through our Rocket Fuel program. Fairview Elementary was the first school Rocket Fuel started at and since has grown to seven schools! 

Since its launch last year, Rocket Fuel has helped feed hundreds of food-insecure children at Title 1 Elementary schools across Anchorage. We’ve received incredible feedback from schools reporting noticeable improvements in student focus, energy, and overall well-being—direct results of our supplemental nutrition program.

This recognition from Fairview Elementary is not just an honor—it’s a reflection of what we can accomplish when we invest in our kids, our neighborhoods, and our future. We can’t do this without you. If you're inspired by the work we're doing and want to help us continue fueling the future, we invite you to make a gift to Rocket Fuel today.

👉 Click here to donate to Rocket Fuel

Your donation helps us feed more children, support more families, and build a stronger, healthier community—one meal, one home, and one act of generosity at a time.

This month — and every month — we remain committed to walking alongside our community members, offering care rooted in dignity and respect

Every person deserves safety, support, and someone who cares.

This month — and every month — we remain committed to walking alongside our community members, offering care rooted in dignity and respect.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

With gratitude,

Shawn Hays

Founder and Executive Director

Henning Inc.