Issue: The lack of available and affordable housing for people with mental health needs is prevalent in urban, suburban and rural communities throughout New York State. Many could transition to much less restrictive and less expensive alternatives if such options were made available. The priority populations for transition include homeless individuals and those in homeless shelters, those who currently live in adult homes that are in deplorable conditions, individuals with psychiatric disabilities living at home with aging parents, and individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system. Additional capacity in existing housing models and development of new housing models are necessary, especially for these identified priority populations.

Action: 1) Create a waiting list of people with psychiatric disabilities in need of housing or in need of alternative housing, to appropriately assess the need; 2) Invest in additional, affordable housing for priority populations to provide individuals with the opportunity to recover from mental illness; 3) Enact recommendations of the New York State Coalition on Adult Home Reform to improve conditions in adult homes and develop alternative housing options for adult home residents, and; 4) Make more housing affordable through stipends and financial assistance.