The provider we visited in New Hampshire began offering IPS in 1995 because staff found it was effective at getting persons with SMI back to work. Further, they had earlier found that participants were not able to apply the skills learned in the provider's prior sheltered vocational training program to jobs outside that sheltered environment. 225 people at a time in its IPS program and told us that about half of those have jobs at any given time. Supportive Housing Supportive housing addresses the needs of people with SMI who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This approach combines housing with access to services and supports, such as case management services, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, and daily living supports.
Supportive housing refers to a range of housing interventions that can be transitional or permanent.
Transitional housing is typically group housing, where the person can live for a predetermined period of time, with services and supports provided on- site. Permanent supportive housing, which includes single room occupancy hotels and apartments, has no predetermined time limits and generally includes access to services in the community. Experts have stated that linking housing and supportive services is crucial for helping people with SMI live independently and that, because of the varying needs of people with SMI who are homeless, a range of housing and service options is necessary. Safe havens are intended to reach homeless people who are suspicious or afraid of more structured supportive housing. Other major contributors to this report were Renalyn Cuadro, Nila GarcesOsorio, Acknowledgments Brenda R. James, Janina R. Johnson, Carolyn Feis Korman, and Craig Winslow.