The effects of independent living on persons with chronic mental illness: an assessment of the Section 8 certificate program.
The feasibility of the Section 8 certificate program for individuals with chronic mental illness (CMI) and the outcomes associated with independent housing are examined. The analysis is based on data from a longitudinal survey of Section 8 certificate users in Baltimore and Hamilton County (Cincinnati) and on information from Section 8 application forms in each site. A pre-post research design was used to examine changes in hospitalization, residential stability, and mental health service outcomes. Four key dimensions of the CMI certificate program are examined: affordability, housing conditions, neighborhood conditions, and service gaps. Results suggest that the certificate program has a positive effect on independent living, that certificate use is associated with positive mental health outcomes, and that there is no evidence of "creaming" among program applicants.
Newman
S J
SJ
Institute for Policy Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218.
Reschovsky
J D
JD
Kaneda
K
K
Hendrick
A M
AM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000191:economics; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005381:Financing, Organized; D005582:Foundations; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011638:Public Housing; D014481:United States