Assisted Living Permanent Supportive Housing Program

• Service Description
• Why do we fund it?
• Whom does it serve?
• What are the outcomes?
• What evidence is available to support the service?
• Contact Information

Service Description
The Assisted Living Program is a housing program that bridges the gap in the housing continuum between supportive living facilities (the more restrictive group homes) and congregate/individual rental or home ownership. The program not only provides housing to consumers but also employs consumer staff members, who offer structure, support, and supervision as needed to residents. Additionally, staff members support residents as they develop independent living skills and gain confidence in their ability to move toward more independence.

Why do we fund it?
Consumers can live independently in the community but may require a period of adjustment to practice independence in a semi-structured environment on their journey of recovery. This program creates a safe environment for residents to learn basic housekeeping, simple home maintenance, budgeting and bill paying, meal planning and preparation, transportation system navigation, and medication management—all essential skills for consumers who wish to become less dependent on professional intervention and high-cost services.

Whom does it serve?
The program serves adults who are diagnosed with mental illness and co-occurring disorders who wish to move to more independent, less restrictive housing. Additionally, the program employs adults who are diagnosed with mental illness and co-occurring disorders as residential support staff.

What are the outcomes?
The program reduces the likelihood of hospitalization and the use of acute care, increases community tenure and the likelihood of employment, ensures that consumers receive the needed services in order to successfully integrate into the community, improves the quality of life, and reduces the reliance upon more costly services. In 2004, the program assisted 39 consumers who wanted to live in more independent housing. Because the program employs consumers in the operation of the program, it is a peer-provider service. Studies have found that peer-provided services are just as effective as non-peer-provided services (Solomon & Draube, 1958; Chinman, Rosenheck, Lam & Davidson 2000). Studies also show that receipients of peer-delivered service had improved social functioning, reduced substance abuse, reduced hospitalization and improved quality of life (Klein, Cnaan, & Whitecraft 1998). Other studies show decreased hospitalization for peer providers as well (Clarke, 2000; Sherman & Porter, 1991). The program helps in the transition from the more costly institutional setting to the community. Without the program, consumers would not have an opportunity to integrate into the community. Because it assists consumers in transitioning from more costly institutional settings, it saves the state dollars.

The program is also an example of a supported housing program. Evaluations of similar supported housing programs nationally have found that retention rates are increased while also reducing hospitalization (Lewin Group). The Lewin Group also found that supportive housing cost significantly less than a day in a shelter, jail, or psychiatric hospital.

Is there research, evidence-based practice, best practice, or literature to support Housing Services?
Click here to view the Housing Services Program Description.