Home is Healing — Where Housing Meets Mental Health
- Parikh Giving Alliance
- May 13
- 2 min read
Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that mental health impacts every part of our community. It is a time to elevate conversations around wellness, reduce stigma, encourage understanding, and explore the many factors that influence mental health outcomes — including access to safe, stable housing, healthcare, support systems, and community connection.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Parikh Giving Alliance presented its annual healthcare-focused Collaboration Circle, Home is Healing: Where Housing Meets Mental Health, on May 12, 2026. The virtual webinar brought together leaders from nonprofit, healthcare, and government sectors to discuss the powerful connection between housing stability and mental wellness, while exploring collaborative solutions that support dignity, recovery, and long-term stability. Part of the Parikh Giving Alliance’s ongoing Collaboration Circle series, these free “Zoom-at-Noon” webinars are designed to create space for leaders across healthcare, education, and the arts to connect, share ideas, and inspire meaningful community conversations.
Moderated by Beena M. Parikh, Co-Founder of the Parikh Giving Alliance, the panel featured: Ellen O'Connor, CEO of Dave’s House, Lisa Portelli, Senior Advisor to the Orlando Mayor for Homelessness and Social Services, City of Orlando and
Marni Stahlman, President & CEO of Mental Health Association of Central Florida.
Throughout the discussion, panelists explored how housing insecurity and mental health are deeply interconnected, and how community partnerships can help create stronger pathways toward healing and wellness. Ellen O'Connor, CEO of Dave’s House, shared the importance of supportive housing in helping individuals living with serious mental illness rebuild their lives.
“Housing is more than a roof overhead—it creates the stability that allows people living with serious mental illness to begin rebuilding confidence, connection, and long-term wellness. At Dave’s House, we see every day how supportive housing can transform lives and create pathways toward dignity, independence, and hope.”
Lisa Portelli, Senior Advisor to the Orlando Mayor for Homelessness and Social Services for the City of Orlando, discussed the importance of coordinated community-wide solutions.
“Homelessness and mental health are deeply interconnected challenges that require coordinated, community-wide solutions. Through collaboration between government, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and service providers, we have an opportunity to create more compassionate pathways that support both immediate needs and long-term stability.”
Marni Stahlman, President & CEO of Mental Health Association of Central Florida, emphasized the relationship between belonging, safe environments, and mental wellness.
“Mental wellness cannot be separated from the environments where people live, feel safe, and experience belonging. During Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation creates space to better understand how housing, support systems, and human connection all play a critical role in strengthening mental health outcomes across our community.”
The webinar also encouraged attendees to take action by learning more about local mental health and homelessness initiatives, advocating for supportive housing, supporting shelters and service organizations, and engaging in conversations that help strengthen the wellbeing of our community.
