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    Fairweather Lodge

    The Fairweather Lodge Program helps people reintegrate themselves into the community by providing emotional support, a place to live, and employment for its members.

    The program was developed by Dr. George Fairweather in California in 1963 as a result of extensive experimental research. In his studies, Dr. Fairweather found that people with serious mental illness are less likely to return to the hospital when they live and work together as a group, rather than live and work individually. His research also showed that the lodge program helps people stay in the community longer, provides more employment opportunities, and costs less than conventional treatment programs. Because of the success of the original groups, the Community Lodge Program has expanded considerably during the past 25 years and there are now lodges across the nation.

    How does a lodge operate?

    A Fairweather Lodge provides permanent housing where two or more residents share living space, household responsibilities, and decision-making. Lodges are self-managed with minimal staff involvement, allowing members to live independently.

    From the beginning, lodges not only offered housing but also required members to run a small business within the home, giving each person meaningful roles in both the house and the business. While employment remains essential today, it may now take the form of outside jobs or volunteer work, in addition to lodge-run businesses. This balance ensures that members maintain stable housing, contribute productively, and build confidence through shared responsibility. 

    Coalition for Community Living

    The Coalition for Community Living (CCL) is a member organization that supports and promotes Fairweather Lodges nationwide. Its mission is “to disseminate technology which fosters social values and quality of life for people who are taking responsibility for their psychiatric recovery.” In addition to certifying Lodges that meet Fairweather Fidelity Standards, the CCL provides members with resources, networking opportunities, and support to strengthen the Fairweather Lodge community.

    Fairweather Lodge for Veterans in Pennsylvania

    The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) began investing in the Fairweather Lodge model in April 2016, allocating state funds for the launch of a Veteran specific FWL initiative. To further strengthen this effort, OMHSAS secured a federal Money Follows the Person (MFP) grant aimed at supporting the development of Veteran-centric lodges across the Commonwealth. The MFP program is a national initiative that promotes the transition of individuals from institutional care to less restrictive, community-based settings.

    Veterans with mental health issues need a full continuum of residential, treatment and support essential for living, working, learning, and participating fully in the community. Veterans have been intensely immersed in a service environment that is largely based on a team approach. The returning home presents a myriad of complex physical and emotional issues related to re-acclimating to civilian life. This pilot project is bringing veterans back into their comfort zone where they can build upon their strengths and rely upon their peers to overcome their challenges. Currently, fairweather lodges housing veterans are are established in Venango, Centre, Cumberland, and Lawrence counties. These facilities are solely designated as veteran Fairweather Lodges. OMHSAS is committed to the expansion of FWL across Pennsylvania, for more information please email RA-PWOMHSAS-Housing@pa.gov

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