FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS                                

1. Who does ICAN serve?
ICAN serves only those individuals who have a severe mental illness, such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia or Major Depression. ICAN clients must need assistance as a direct result of their illness. This means an individual faces challenges like poverty and homelessness because of their psychiatric symptoms.

2. Why is ICAN's target group so limited?
ICAN’s mission focuses on meeting the housing needs of persons with severe mental illness.  The community’s mental health board opened ICAN in 1988 in response to rising homelessness among the most disabled persons.  Since then ICAN has remained the only housing provider that performs street outreach and serves the unique needs of persons who have mental illness.  Services for homelessness among the general population are available at other agencies.

3. How do persons obtain services?
ICAN accepts referrals from mental health service agencies in Stark County . ICAN also has an extensive outreach program to reach the homeless, and these individuals receive emergency services like overnight shelter and food vouchers. As soon as possible they are referred to appropriate social and mental health service providers for a diagnosis. Walk-ins and self-referrals are also welcome.

4. What are ICAN's sources of income?
ICAN receives about 50% of its operating budget from the Mental Health and Recovery Board. Additional sources are the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Ohio Department of Mental Health, and the Ohio Department of Development. ICAN pursues capital grants to acquire and renovate or build safe, decent and affordable housing.

5. Can I get counseling or medication services from ICAN?
No. ICAN is not a clinical agency. It is a housing developer designed to increase access to permanent housing for persons with mental health disorders.

6. Is there a time limit on ICAN services?
Some services have a time limit and some do not. It is recommended that persons interested in services inquire about time limits on the services they are requesting.

7. Are the services free?
Some services have a fee that is based on the applicant's total income. Again, it is recommended that persons interested in services inquire about fees for the services they are requesting. 

8. Does ICAN pay rent for people?
Yes, ICAN has rent assistance programs available for those who qualify. The largest program we have is HAP, which stands for Housing Assistance Program. This subsidy can be paid to private landlords so applicants can choose housing anywhere in Stark County . The Shelter Plus Care program and HUD 811 program are based on units, and persons have to live the ICAN owned unit to get the subsidy. Some buildings have a rent subsidy attached to them from other sources.