BU Research on Supported Housing

June 11, 2009

Supported Housing Retention Rate Is as High as 80 Percent. According to a Boston University research review, supported housing can reduce hospitalizations, improve the quality of life of people with psychiatric disabilities, and has resulted in a housing retention rate of as high as 80 percent. While not all studies found this level of housing stability – a large veterans study indicated a 66 percent rate – more than one controlled study reported this rate. Housing First – which offers apartments to homeless people who have mental illnesses and who may have substance abuse problems without requiring anyone to first become clean and sober – is the only model to achieve a housing retention rate of more than 80 percent over a period of several years, the researchers note. The benefits of supported housing include giving individuals more control so that supports and services can vary according to their needs and wishes, and improving their satisfaction with living arrangements. The research review, by Boston University’s Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, summarizes data on the effectiveness of, and predictors of success in, this evidence-based practice. For more information, visit http://www.mhselfhelp.org.

 

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