Billy Locklear’s new apartment is a sanctuary, nestled among tall trees in a Greensboro complex, offering him a safe and peaceful place to call home. His red front door is adorned with a large “C” sticker and a metal knocker, a sign of welcome for visitors. Inside, Billy enjoys a comfortable living space with a gray couch and a dining table for four. A staircase leads to his two bedrooms and bathroom on the second level.
Billy’s journey to finding a home and stability began after years of homelessness, spending nights in an abandoned box truck in Greensboro and seeking refuge in shelters. Today, he is grateful for the services provided by Monarch’s Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT), which helped him secure housing, manage his mental health and regain control of his life.
What is Assertive Community Treatment (ACTT)?
Assertive Community Treatment is a team-based, community-driven program designed to support individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychological disorders. The program focuses on providing services in the community rather than in traditional settings, helping people live independently and manage their mental health.
Monarch’s ACTT in Guilford County, which includes a team of medical professionals, behavioral health experts and peer support specialists, has been instrumental in helping Billy transition from homelessness to stability. Through a holistic approach, the team helps individuals with housing, medication management, therapy and vocational support.
Billy’s Story: Overcoming Homelessness and Mental Health Struggles
Billy was diagnosed with schizophrenia and faced years of instability before connecting with Monarch’s ACTT. After a hospital stay, he was assigned to work with the team, including a housing specialist who helped locate a suitable apartment. Billy recalls their first meetings with a smile, remembering how difficult it was to trust at first, but eventually, he realized that the team’s promises were genuine and heartfelt.
After Billy transitioned into temporary shelter through the Bethesda Center in Winston-Salem, he was able to secure his apartment in October 2020. The team worked to apply for housing through the Transitions to Community Living Initiative (TCLI) program operated by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and administered through Sandhills, a Local Management Entity-Managed Care Organization (LME-MCO). Sandhills contracts with Monarch to serve individuals with mental health struggles.
This moment marked a significant milestone in his life. He remembers the day he received the keys to his new home, saying, “I really wanted to cry to be honest with you. That was a good moment.”
Support Beyond Housing: Comprehensive Services for Mental Health
Billy’s journey did not stop with securing housing. He continued to receive a range of supportive services from the ACTT team, including medication management, therapy and vocational guidance. His team members have played an essential role in helping him adapt to his new home and live independently.
Monarch’s ACTT approach is unique because it emphasizes community-based care, offering clients like Billy continuous support in managing mental health symptoms, maintaining housing and achieving greater stability in life.
From Homelessness to Advocacy: Billy’s Growth and Success
Billy’s path has been shaped by hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his ACTT team. He has developed skills to manage his mental health and live independently and he is now an advocate for himself, particularly when it comes to medication adjustments. His peer support specialist, who has walked a similar path, has witnessed Billy’s transformation and growth.
Billy enjoys the simple things in life now, like riding the bus to his favorite park to enjoy the outdoors and eating out. He has learned the importance of budgeting and managing his utilities, which has helped him avoid the risk of homelessness again. As a model renter, Billy understands his responsibilities and strives for stability.
Billy wants to share his story with others who may be struggling with mental health challenges or homelessness. “Don’t give up. There are people out there who will help,” he encourages.
How Monarch’s ACTT Can Help
Monarch’s Assertive Community Treatment Teams serve individuals in various counties across North Carolina, including Bladen, Cleveland, Davidson, Forsyth, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union, Robeson and Scotland.
Editor’s Note: Editor’s Note: Since this story was written, Billy Locklear moved to an alternate apartment style home due to guidelines through TCLI funding. He is adapting to his new home well and continues to be grateful for the assistance he receives through Monarch’s Guilford ACTT staff.