WHY SUPPORTED HOUSING?
Supported housing for individuals with psychiatric disabilities provides the services
necessary to keep individuals in independent housing that is integrated into the community and in
which the consumer has choice and control over his/ her services and supports. It can be
contrasted to an earlier model called the “linear residential approach” in which individuals are
moved from the most restrictive settings through a series of less restrictive settings and then
finally to independent housing. The linear approach has been criticized as being problematic (due
to frequent moves) and less likely to result in independent housing. In the supported housing
model consumers have choice and control over their living environment and supports are flexible
and faded in and out depending on needs.
Results of a recent systematic review of supported housing research suggests that there
are several well-controlled studies of supported housing as well as several studies which were not
so rigorous. Overall, the results suggest that supported housing can improve the living situation of
individuals who are psychiatrically disabled, homeless and with substance abuse problems.
Results show that supported housing can help people retain their housing about 80% of the time.
The review also showed that housing subsidies or vouchers are helpful in getting and
keeping individuals housed. Housing services may also help to reduce the costs of other social
and clinical services. In order to be most effective, intensive case management services need to be
available as they lead to better housing outcomes. Having access to affordable housing and
having a service system that is well-integrated is also important. When individuals are in
supported housing, the likelihood of re-hospitalization is reduced. However, supported housing
does not necessarily lead to reduced symptoms. Supported housing can
improve clients’ quality of life and satisfaction with their living situation. Providing supported
housing options that are of decent quality is important to keeping people housed and satisfied
with their housing.
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Principles of Supported Housing:
 Mental health services are offered, not mandated.
 The individual chooses the housing and mental health
services.
 Services are community based and housing is integrated into the community
National Mental Health Consumers’ Self Help Clearinghouse
1211 Chestnut Street, 11th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Compiled by the Supported Housing Study Group at Boston University
Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Innovative Knowledge Dissemination & Utilization
Project for Disability & Professional Stakeholder Organizations/ NIDRR Grant # (H133A050006)