Supported Housing (SH)
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SUPPORTED HOUSING (SH)
Supported Housing is a cost effective intervention for consumers facing complex problems that impact housing and increase their risk of homelessness. Supported housing is often provided in collaboration with other services such as substance use services, job training, case management etc. Practitioners actively support consumers in their recovery helping them problem-solve life challenges. Program costs are roughly the same (or less) as common alternatives such as shelters and are much less expensive than prisons, jails and hospitals.
Findings indicate that supported housing interventions:
- Increase problem-free living in the community
- Decrease homelessness
- Improve consumer physical health
- Decrease crises and symptomatic behavior
Challenges for Providers:
- Negative stereotypes often decrease community openness to adapting or building supported housing sites
- Organizations are often reticent to commit funds for supported housing projects
- Long-term commitment to consumers to continue supports
- Savings tend to occur at the State level while the expenses are born out at the provider level
Upside for Providers:
- Decreases lifestyle problems through creating habitation stability
- Increases consumer motivation to collaborate with treatment providers
- Provides for normalized recovery
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