Bishop Street Studios Provides Housing for Adults with Mental Illness

Bishop Street Studios hosted its Grand Opening on Saturday, November 16th, welcoming 33 adults with mental illness to their new homes. This project was a joint venture between HASLO, Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA), and Red Stone Equity Partners, LLC. Funding for the project came from multiple sources: the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC); the City and County of San Luis Obispo; Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco; San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund; as well as numerous Capital Campaign Donors to TMHA.

The County of San Luis Obispo sold TMHA the 1.3 acres for the project with the intent to restore the old Sunny Acres Orphanage and use it as affordable housing for TMHA clients. Along with the restoration of that main building, three additional buildings were constructed.

Tours of the restored orphanage were part of the Grand Opening. Shown here is the Community Room.

All potential Bishop Street Studios residents are referred to TMHA by SLO County Behavioral Health Services staff. They must be over 18 years of age and have the skills to live independently. Supportive services are provided to all residents and there is a Resident Manager who lives on site.

Residents have the convenience of close access to bus stops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and employment and health services.