Creating Community: Groupwork to Develop Social Support Networks with Homeless Mentally Ill

The authors argue that the use of groups and social group work skills can create social support networks and community among mentally ill homeless persons. Examples of groups developed by workers on a mobile mental health outreach unit, in a drop-in center, and in a single room occupancy (SRO) hotel are presented. Individual case studies are used to demonstrate how group work can help homeless mentally ill individuals make the transition to indoor living in the community.