Our Mission
The mission of the Latah Alliance on Mental Illness (LAMI) is to destigmatize mental illness and promote equitable communities by providing inclusive and nurturing living and learning environments founded in respect, trust, and compassion.
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LAMI provides individuals with severe and persistent mental illness a safe and supportive housing opportunity by living within and participating in a family-like residential environment.
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LAMI facilitates support groups within the Moscow community to empower individuals living with a wide range of mental health symptoms from mild to severe and their support systems to live their best life and thrive.
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LAMI leads outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives by speaking at events, leading discussions, and educating the general public about mental health.
Inclusion Statement:
LAMI amplifies the voices of the members of our community who have been silenced to reveal inequities and dismantle systemic oppression through education and advocacy ensuring every community member feels heard, valued, counted, and served. Valuing differences of racial and cultural backgrounds, age, gender, sexual orientations, disabilities and religious beliefs enriches the experiences and lives of all the LAMI community.
About LAMI
Latah Alliance on Mental Illness (LAMI) was incorporated in April of 1977 by a group of family members with concerns for persons living with mental illnesses.
In 1988, when HUD announced the Stuart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act for housing for the handicapped homeless, Governor Cecil B. Andrus executed contracts with HUD. Latah Mental Health, Inc. then applied for a grant to establish a residence for persons with mental illnesses. In November of 1988, a grant to Latah Mental Health was received with $52,142 from HUD, $26,000 from Idaho Housing and the local match of $26,000. In January of 1989, the name of Latah Mental Health was changed to Latah Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Inc.
A Certificate of Occupancy was received on September 8, 1989 and the first resident moved into the home on September 15, 1989. A House Director was hired to provide part time oversight and support to the residents. By November 1989 there were four residents and in April, 1990, there were five residents.
The wiring in the House was redone in 1990 and the ramp was added subsequently for handicapped access. Development of policy, a governing board, a budget and operating procedures then occurred with careful oversight by Idaho Housing.During this period, support group activities were also carried on by the Latah Alliance which signed and implemented a contract to support and establish a NAMI/Idaho organization. The Latah Alliance consisted of a very small core of highly dedicated persons who were devoted to better care and services for persons with mental illness.
How LAMI is Funded
LAMI Alliance House is located in Moscow, ID and serves individuals who need residential support. Alliance House provides a supported living residence for up to six adults with severe and persistent mental illness who have had difficulty with living independently in the past.
In addition to each resident’s monthly rent, LAMI receive it’s support from charitable organizations, government entities and receives donations from private individuals. There are also several fundraising events in the community that the board members regularly participate. When in need of additional services or supplies for maintaining the house, we are fortunate to receive the communities support through items purchased at a reduced cost and donations of items