Behind every person living with mental illness is a story. A family. People who love them, worry about them, celebrate their victories and stand beside them through life's challenges. Mental illness touches more lives than we often realize, and its impact extends far beyond the individual. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than one in five American adults experiences mental illness each year, and approximately one in 20 lives with serious mental illness. These are our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and friends. They are people with dreams, relationships, talents and hopes for the future. Their experiences may be different, but they share the same need for understanding, connection and a sense of belonging.
For families, loving someone with serious mental illness can bring challenges they never anticipated. Finding treatment, navigating healthcare systems, responding to crises and securing stable housing can become overwhelming. There are moments of uncertainty, frustration and heartbreak, but also extraordinary examples of resilience, compassion and unconditional love. Families often become advocates, caregivers and sources of strength, sometimes for years, as they help their loved ones navigate an illness that can affect nearly every aspect of daily life.
The People Behind the Statistics
The impact of mental illness on families is significant. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, millions of Americans provide unpaid support to loved ones living with mental health conditions. Family members frequently help coordinate medical appointments, manage medications, navigate community resources and provide emotional and financial support. For many, these responsibilities become part of everyday life. Yet a mental health diagnosis is only one part of a person's story. It does not define who they are, the relationships they share or the contributions they can make. With appropriate treatment, stable housing and ongoing support, people living with serious mental illness can experience greater stability, independence and quality of life. At Dave's House, we see the importance of that stability every day. We also recognize that behind every individual we serve is a family, a friend or someone whose life has been profoundly shaped by their journey.
At this year's Dave's House Party: BUILT TO LAST, guests heard deeply personal stories of love, heartbreak, loss and hope. Each story reflected a different experience with mental illness, but all spoke to the lasting connections between individuals and the people who care about them. During the evening, we asked everyone whose life had been touched by mental illness to stand. Every single person in the room stood up. It was an unforgettable moment that reminded us just how many people share this experience, even when their stories remain unspoken. That moment inspired a question we hope will resonate throughout our community this holiday season: Who Is Your Dave?
Five individuals are helping us bring that question to life by sharing memories and photographs of people they love. Each image represents a personal connection and a reminder that behind every mental health journey is someone who matters deeply to others. At Dave's House, our commitment to this mission is deeply personal. Many of us were drawn to this work because we have our own Dave, someone whose life has shaped our understanding of love, compassion and the importance of having a place to call home.
Five People. Five Stories. One Powerful Question.
Dave’s House Board Chair Elena Norman honors her brother Tony, while Board Member Christina Watkins carries the love she has for her sister Tiffany. Incoming Board Chair Bradley Wightman shared a heartfelt story about his son at this year’s Dave’s House Party. Each brings a deeply personal connection to our mission and a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. Their stories remind us why we do what we do and inspire us to keep opening doors to home, hope and independence.
For Dave’s House Board Alum Chris Hayes, the mission is personal. His brother is his “Dave,” inspiring his commitment to helping adults living with serious mental illness find stability and support. That commitment extends through his family's extraordinary generosity. Through Family of Friends, the family donated the land in Sanford that will soon become Dave’s House at Celery Place, creating a lasting legacy of hope and opportunity for individuals and families who need it most.
For Dave’s House Co-Founder Lin Wilensky, her “Dave” is the very person our organization is named after — her brother, Dave. Inspired by his life and the challenges faced by individuals and families navigating serious mental illness, Lin and her husband Ron helped establish Dave’s House to create something meaningful and lasting. What began as a deeply personal family connection has grown into a mission providing permanent supportive housing, dignity and hope for others. Today, Dave’s legacy lives on through every home, every partnership and every life touched by Dave’s House.
These five stories represent countless families whose lives have been shaped by mental illness. Some journeys include recovery and renewed hope. Others involve ongoing challenges, difficult decisions or the loss of someone deeply loved. What connects them is the enduring bond between people and the desire to see those we love safe, supported and valued.
A Place to Call Home Can Change a Life
For adults living with serious mental illness, maintaining stability can be particularly difficult without safe, affordable housing and access to ongoing care. Housing provides more than shelter. It creates a foundation for managing health, building relationships, developing independence and participating in the community. Research on permanent supportive housing has demonstrated its ability to improve housing stability and reduce the use of costly emergency services for many individuals experiencing homelessness and complex health challenges. When people have a secure place to live and access to appropriate services, they have a stronger foundation for managing their health and planning for the future.
For more than 18 years, Dave's House has been opening doors for adults living with serious mental illness. Through permanent supportive housing and our longstanding partnership with Aspire Health Partners, residents have access to the stability of a home and the ongoing services that support their well-being. Our mission continues to grow through the Community Care Navigator initiative, which helps individuals and families connect with resources, and through the development of Dave's House at Celery Place in Sanford. This new community will provide permanent supportive housing for up to 20 adults living with serious mental illness, creating more opportunities for individuals to experience the security, dignity and belonging that come with having a place to call home.
Who Is Your Dave?
As we approach the end of 2026, we invite you to think about the people whose lives have touched yours. Perhaps your Dave is a brother, sister, son, daughter, parent or friend. Maybe it is someone you have supported through difficult times, someone whose resilience inspires you or someone you continue to carry in your heart. Or perhaps you haven't met your Dave yet. You simply believe that everyone deserves compassion, understanding and the opportunity to live with dignity.
This holiday season, your support of Dave's House can help turn that belief into something meaningful. Your year-end gift supports our mission to provide permanent supportive housing and help more adults living with serious mental illness find stability and hope for the future.
Whoever your Dave may be, you can make a difference.
Because everyone deserves a place to call home.
Invest in Dave’s House - and tell us about your Dave.
Sources and Mental Health Data
In 2024, approximately 61.5 million American adults (23.4%) experienced mental illness, while 14.6 million (5.6%) experienced serious mental illness. SAMHSA
NAMI reports that more than one in five American adults experiences mental illness annually. Its resources also describe the challenges individuals and families face in accessing treatment and support. NAMI
Serious mental illness is defined as a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. National Institute of Mental Health
