People USA’s Rose Houses are 24/7/365 short-term crisis respites that are home-like alternatives to hospital psychiatric ERs and inpatient units.

Guests can stay up to seven days, and they can come and go for appointments, jobs, and other essential needs. They are 100% operated by peers who have their own personal lived experiences.

 

“I’ve been battling Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety my whole life. When I called People USA’s Warm Line I was in the state of mind of wanting to end my life. I have attempted to do so at least 3 times and have been in crisis before but didn’t really get the help that I needed to overcome and thrive. When I got to People USA’s Rose House I still really wanted to die but when I left there I no longer felt that. You all really saved my life. Thank you all I’m very grateful.”

 

Full Testimonial

 

Dear Rose House Staff, 

 

I just want to thank you for your help and support during a time of crisis. When I called the Warm Line I was in the state of mind of wanting to end my life. I have attempted to do so at least 3 times in my life and have been in crisis before but didn’t really get the help that I needed to overcome and thrive. Basically I’ve been treading water because I’ve been battling Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety my whole life.  

I’ve been burned many times by people working in the mental health industry; people who are either wholly incompetent, jaded, or just outright racist or sexist. I’m tired of it.  

When I called the Warm Line, Kenny picked up and immediately knew that I needed help and that I was in a situation that merited a different type of approach. I have to admit that I was hesitant at first because of my terrible experiences going to the ER or elsewhere. Kenny made me feel like I wasn’t being judged and that I could talk or share at a level that I was comfortable with. I have a tendency to not trust men because of my past trauma, however, Kenny really earned my trust and we’ve had quite deep conversations about PTSD. 

I’ve also had some deep conversations with Mia about trauma and I’ve never once had such an open or honest conversation with a therapist. That’s pretty significant. The staff at the Rose House really helped to pull me out of a deep depressive hole. Luisa was nothing but sweet and generous with me. We cooked together – we talked about foods from South America which really warmed my soul because it’s hard when you don’t have access to your culture – which I really don’t have. Maria and I went on a 4 mile hike and found a geocache. I love doing stuff like that but my depression means I stay in bed all day and don’t leave the house. Gabrielle inspired me to consider learning instruments again and she also motivated me to do arts and crafts, which was a lot of fun but is also something I never do when I’m depressed. I had a conversation with Richard about homelessness and racial strife. Again, not something that’s typically talked about in a therapist’s office or hospital (which doesn’t make sense because the “isms” or “phobias” affect one’s mental health). 

I ultimately will not forget the time that I spent at the Rose House. You all really saved my life. It’s like I told Maria – when I got to the Rose House I still really wanted to die but when I left there I no longer felt that. I know that I have to keep working on my mental health and that my struggle isn’t over – but at least now I’ve been motivated to socialize with friends, exercise, complete responsibilities, etc. That’s a pretty big change in motivation. 

Thank you all, I’m very grateful 

-C