Superior Getting Respite House to Help Those in Crisis

Respite Houses Offer An Short-Term, Intermediate Step For People in Mental Heath Crisis

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Work is well underway on a new peer respite center in Superior.

Centers like this are free, voluntary, short-term programs that offer hope to those experiencing a mental health crisis. When completed, the Hope Haven Respite Center will have room for four occupants. Chrissy Barnard says Superior is a ‘desert’ for mental heath services. The lack of accessible mental health resources is an issue that hits close to home for Barnard.

“I had lost everything because of my mental health before,” Barnard said. “And now, I want to give hope to others and help others find their own journey to recovery.”

During renovations, organizers have made sure to get input from experts and people with lived experiences with mental health struggles The respite center will have an ADA compliant and sensory friendly room, as well as calming colors throughout. It is expected to be finished this summer.