“Models do exist in New York and elsewhere for the kind of humane and cost-efficient housing and care that ought to be more readily available. Especially important are those programs that focus on rehabilitation.”
The New York Times, September 21, 2002

The Problem
As a society, and through our representative government of New York State, we have a moral and legal responsibility to provide humane, pragmatic responses to the needs of consumers of mental health services. This Campaign is based on both the belief that the fundamental need of all citizens with mental illnesses is safe, affordable housing and the fact that the demand for such housing and supportive services far exceeds the existing supply.

The Solution
The New York State Campaign for Mental Health Housing has been formed as a statewide effort sponsored by a broad coalition of mental health providers, consumers, family members, advocates, social policy experts, legal rights organizations, housing developers, and concerned citizens.  These groups have come together to advocate that the State of New York undertake a comprehensive plan to provide appropriate housing to people with mental illnesses who need a safe, affordable place to live with adequate support services.  

Why?…, individuals with serious mental illnesses regardless of their age and phase of life can recover or improve significantly; but the first step is a stable place to live.   Ensuring a formula for stability and rehabilitation, services and supports offered to those with mental illnesses must be paired with housing accessibility.

How?....Immediately work to reform the mental health housing and support system as it now exists so that it is truly responsive to the age and phase of life needs of consumers.  We advocate the creation of a comprehensive mental health housing plan for children, adolescents and adults.  Developed by the New York State Office of Mental Hygiene, in collaboration with stakeholders, and local communities, the plan should include the:

• PRESERVATION of approximately 30,000 units of housing currently available by ensuring adequate funding for services and operations;
• REFORM of existing models and programs so that they meet the complex needs of the clients being served; and
• DEVELOPMENT of approximately 35,000 new units of various models of housing for mentally ill residents statewide; we have a head start toward that goal in New York City with the recently-signed NY/NY III agreement.

We’ve Had Success in New York But More Needs to Be Done
Since 1979, New York State has produced an experienced pool of organizations that manage and operate approximately 30,000 existing beds for people with serious mental illnesses. In New York City, the NY/NY I and II programs forged a partnership between nonprofit developers, New York City, and New York State to create approximately 6,000 units of housing for homeless people with serious mental illnesses. These housing and service providers are ready and eager to replicate a variety of successful models.

These collaborative efforts between government and non-profit agencies have helped reduce the number of individuals using homeless shelters. In addition, studies report major reductions in inpatient hospitalization, emergency room use, and interaction with the criminal justice system among this population.

With fewer homeless on the streets, along with the economic development – housing rehabilitation, jobs – that flows from these programs, a strong housing system for those with serious mental illnesses strengthens communities.

Mental Health Housing Transforms Lives.
The core service, needed by every individual with mental illness, is a safe, decent permanent home. Numerous program evaluations have shown that when community-based case management services and mainstream medical and psychiatric care are provided to people in supportive housing, quality of life improves, as do chances for long-term recovery.

New Yorkers with serious mental illnesses should not have to suffer the trauma of life in shelters, jails, hospitals, adult homes, and the street. With additional and preserved housing units, as well as wholesale reform in the planning, financing, and management of State-sponsored programs, thousands of people with mental illnesses will gain access to basic, cost-effective services that will dramatically improve their lives.

Ultimately, mental health housing is a cost effective, humane alternative to homelessness. As New Yorkers, our goals are within our capabilities and resources.