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DLC received a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to provide low-income, uninsured individuals in need of mental health and substance use services with easier access to those services.

The one year $89,000 grant, approved by the Collier County Board of Commissioners, will fund the Benefits Administration Project. This will assist qualified individuals with enrollment in various healthcare plans including Medicaid and healthcare marketplace plans as well as other benefits such as assistance with child care, housing, food stamps and public assistance.

The program will target current clients while also reaching out to non-clients who are in need of services. The Center will hire two full-time benefits managers who have experience working with children and adults in a behavioral healthcare setting and who have the ability to assess client needs and assume advocacy roles. The benefits managers will meet with individuals, help them learn about and understand their options, and assist with the enrollment process.

To assist with the implementation of the program, the grant will also allow for the purchase and installation of four free-standing computer kiosks which will provide access to the Internet so individuals can apply for benefits. The kiosks will be installed at the Center’s Main Campus, as well as the Immokalee and Horseshoe Drive campuss.