Supportive housing program is cost-effective option for people with mental illness

Oct 5 2009

In the wake of a landmark decision by Federal District Judge Nicholas Garaufis, who in early September ruled that New York State is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by segregating individuals with mental illness from the general population and fostering "learned helplessness," detrimental to rehabilitation and recovery, Community Access is inviting neighbors, local businesses and friends to tour its supportive housing sites in New York City this October. The judge further noted that supportive housing programs provide flexible support services as well as ample opportunities for community integration.

"Supportive housing programs like Community Access' provide services that are tailored to the needs of the individual and focus on strengths and abilities, not disabilities," said Community Access CEO, Steve Coe. "Supportive housing is a win-win proposition: it saves taxpayers money by keeping people out of hospitals, jails and emergency rooms and allows consumers of mental health services to transform their lives and pursue their dreams."

According to available data, affordable housing with on-site support services such as counseling and educational and employment guidance is less expensive than a psychiatric hospital, jail or an adult home. There are only 12,000 units of supportive housing available in NYC for the approximately one-half million New Yorkers suffering with a serious mental illness.

Judge Garaufis' decision indicates that the plaintiff, Disability Advocates, Inc. (DAI) has proven that all of the 4,300 NYC adult home residents named in the suit qualify for supportive housing. According to the judge's opinion, the state has until Oct. 23 to develop a remedial plan to enable the residents to receive services in the state's supported housing program.

Facts about supportive housing:

• Supportive housing is permanent, affordable housing linked to a range of support services.
• Affordable housing with on-site support services is less expensive than the alternatives: a psychiatric hospital is $467/ day; jail, $164/day but supportive housing is approximately $100/day.
• There is strong evidence that properties in areas surrounding a supportive housing site substantially increase in value according to a 2008 NYU Furman Center Report.
• The crime rates in areas near supportive housing decreases because supportive housing buildings feature on-site security and support staff.
• Supportive housing is a catalyst for economic development: it brings Federal, State, and City dollars to the neighborhood, creating permanent and temporary employment opportunities for neighborhood residents

Community Access is planning to hold tours of its housing sites this October in support of World Mental Health Awareness Month with the goal of increasing the public's understanding and encouraging a reduction of stigma and discrimination against people living with a mental illness.

Housing Tours:

Monday, October 5 -- 1363 Franklin Ave., Bronx NY 9:30 - 11:00 am

Tuesday, October 20th -- 29 East 2nd Street at 2nd Avenue, 8:30 - 10:00 am

and 621Water St.(Gouverneur Court), 10:30 am - 12:00 Noon