In the last issue of Access, I discussed changes in federal housing policy that will impact people with disabilities loss of resources, devolution of authority for program design and implementation to the state and local level, and the need for interagency collaboration. In the context of these trends, agencies at the state and local level face opportunities, as well as responsibilities, to be advocates for mainstream housing resources and for creating new program strategies to meet the needs of mental health consumers. As citizens, you can let policy makers at every level know that federal policy and funds are crucial for addressing the housing needs of people with disabilities.
Federal resources provide a clear mandate and a comprehensive approach.
Without them many state and local policies will lack the direction needed to focus attention on this population. Policy makers also need to appreciate the importance of enforcing standards to address the housing discrimination encountered when people with disabilities seek access to housing. Form new partnerships. State and local mental health agencies which have not been directly involved with housing now need to partner with housing finance and development agencies to keep permanent housing available for their clients. Stimulate collaborative agreements and other cooperative ventures between local housing and service providers by linking the use of housing to service block grant funds.