SAN FRANCISCO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. San Francisco Mayor London Breed, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), and the San Francisco Adult Probation Department (SFAPD) on Wednesday announced an expansion in transitional housing and behavioral health care services for justice-involved adults who are experiencing homelessness.

       A 75-unit housing site in the South of Market neighborhood is currently undergoing renovations for an anticipated opening in early May, the announcement said.

       The Minna Project is a partnership between SFDPH and SFAPD and will open in collaboration with community partners. Participants of the project will have access to onsite wraparound services, including outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment, case management, medication management, support groups, and recreational activities.

       The Minna Project will support participants in recovery through group therapy, peer support, and medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. Together, these services are designed to aid the transition to independent living after involvement with the justice system.

       Individuals with behavioral health needs are overrepresented in the justice system, with up to one-third of all jail inmates receiving behavioral healthcare. This population is also disproportionately affected by homelessness and the overdose epidemic, according to the announcement.

       "We're continuing to expand our treatment options for people facing issues relating to mental health and addiction so we can get individuals off the street and into the care and shelter they need," said Breed. "With this project, we're working to break the cycle of people with these challenges cycling from the justice system to the streets and back again."