Besides the mentally ill, North Carolina is home to more than 6,000 people with developmental disabilities, which include autism and mental retardation. About 720,000 battle alcohol or drug abuse. Experts say tens of thousands aren't getting treatment, which increases the state's homeless and prison populations. Housing is also scarce. Almost 8,500 people with severe mental illness need supervised housing, such as group homes or apartments, but the state only offers beds for 1,300.
Private facilities have years-long waiting lists.
Housing for those with mental retardation and other disabilities is also limited. At least 200 people are on a waiting list for 70 beds in Charlotte group homes run by the nonprofit Residential Support Services. In a typical year, one bed becomes available. Loehr takes 19 pills a day to control manic depression, schizophrenia and other problems. She lived for months in a rest home with three older men, but now wants to live among people her own age.