Housing Assistance for the Mentally Ill

That National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 26 percent of all American adults suffer from some sort of mental illness at some point during their lives. Of course, many mentally ill people live fairly normal lives. They may take medication or see a counselor, but they hold down regular jobs and live in regular houses and lead fairly regular lives. Some mentally ill people require extra help in some areas, however, such as housing assistance.

Housing Based on Income

Mentally ill people that rely on Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income often have difficulty paying for housing. Many mentally ill people that work have no more difficulty paying for housing than someone that is not mentally ill, but some are only able to work part-time or have other limitations due to their disabilities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers programs in which rent is based on income, allowing mentally ill people to obtain affordable, safe housing.

For more information or to apply for housing based on income, contact your local public housing agency. You can find the public housing agency in your area by visiting the public housing agency locator on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. Public housing agencies frequently have long waiting lists so apply as soon as you think you might need assistance. In some cases, public housing agencies give priority to homeless individuals or those currently spending more than half their monthly income on housing, so be sure to let them know if you fall into one of those categories.

Supportive Housing

Mentally ill people that need extra help or support may benefit from supportive housing programs such as halfway houses or group homes. Contact the mental health department in your state for information about supportive housing options in your area.

People typically reside in halfway houses for limited time periods, such as three to six months. They may reside in halfway houses after being released from hospitals or at other times they need extra help for a short period of time. While in halfway houses, people generally get some training in daily living skills, such as money management and meal preparation, as well as education about things like coping skills and relapse prevention. Staff helps them prepare for independent living after they leave the halfway house.

Group homes provide long-term supportive housing for mentally ill individuals that do not require hospitalization or skilled nursing care but that are not able to live independently. They receive needed supervision and support while remaining in the community setting.

Skilled Nursing Facilities and State Hospitals

Most mentally ill people do not require around-the-clock care, at least not all of the time. They may occasionally require short-term hospitalization but most people can live independently most of the time or in supportive housing in which they receive some support and assistance. In cases of severe long-term mentally illness, however, people may need intensive care all of the time.

In those cases, people may live in skilled nursing facilities, commonly known as nursing homes, or state psychiatric hospitals. They receive around-the-clock care, including nursing care, assistance with personal hygiene, medication administration, meal preparation, supervision and other services as needed. Group therapy, recreational therapy and the like may be offered. Social services are also available.

Sources:

National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mental-disorders-in-america/index.shtml . The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0048/default.asp . Housing Options for People with Mental Illness.

U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_assistance/phprog . HUD's Public Housing Program.