Critical Characteristics of Supported Housing: Resident and Service Provider Perspectives

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop an understanding of important characteristics of supported housing (SH) for individuals with serious mental illnesses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents of SH and service providers. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative approach. Four central themes emerged from data analysis: SH as a foundation for recovery, guiding values for SH, supports offered in SH, and neighbourhood/community context. This research has uncovered several key characteristics of SH that can be used to guide the development of new housing programs, to review current programs, as a tool for self-advocacy, and as the foci for further research.

A home but how to connect with others? A qualitative meta‐synthesis of experiences of people with mental illness living in supported housing

“…I like to live here and try to make everyday life meaningful, it is supportive and it helps to prevent problems” (Lindström, Lindberg, & Sjöström, , p.289). And, “I think that having a decent place to live has reduced my stress… I eat better … I exercise more” (Kirsh et al, , p. 21). In comparison, security and stability were undermined by housing in poor physical condition or neighbourhoods perceived as threatening (Carpenter‐Song et al, ; Kirkpatrick & Byrne, ; Kirsh et al, ; Lindström et al, ; Nelson et al, ; Raphael‐Greenfield & Gutman, ; Whitley et al, ).…”

“…Many residents in supported housing reported not only a sense of feeling “cut off”, lonely, isolated but also expressed desires for romantic or familial relationships and a sense of belonging (Chesters et al, ; Dorvil et al, ; Jones et al, ; Kirsh et al, ; Tsai, Bond, Salyers, Godfrey, & Davis, ; Walker & Seasons, ; Wong, Metzendorf, & Min, ). For instance, as one participant from a study conducted in rural Australia reported, “I have no partner and no one to talk to at home… The most interaction I have is my thoughts when the TV is on, which is pretty pitiful from someone who was one of the most popular girls in high school… To just living a lonely existence, going out once a fortnight, doing a shop, getting what you need to survive.…”

“…Privacy leading to a sense of control, stability and security were valued aspects of supported housing reported by participants, impacting their sense of self and freedom. Increased feelings of control due to having privacy were commonly identified by participants across many of the reviewed studies (Chesters et al, 2005;Dorvil, Murin, Beaulieu, & Robert, 2005;Jones et al, 2003;Kirkpatrick & Byrne, 2009Kirsh, Gewurtz, & Bakewell, 2011;Nelson, Clarke, Febbraro, & Hatzipantelis, 2005;Padgett, 2007;Parkinson & Nelson, 2003;Stefancic et al, 2012;Whitley, Harris, & Drake, 2008). Having a personal space facilitated participants' sense of control (Dorvil, Morin, Beaulieu, & Robert, 2005;Jones et al, 2003;Kirkpatrick & Byrne, 2009Padgett, 2007).…”

“…Housing stability and security were seen by people living with mental illness as paramount in reducing stress levels and in providing a base for rebuilding one's life (Carpenter-Song et al, 2012;Forchuk, Ward-Griffin, Csiernik, & Turner, 2006;Jones et al, 2003;Kirsh et al, 2011;Leviten-Reid, Johnson, & Miller, 2014;Nelson et al, 2005;Raphael-Greenfield & Gutman, 2015;Stefancic et al, 2012). Feeling secure seemed even more important when participants' prior experiences of trauma, threat or homelessness may have heightened their vigilance.…”

“…And, "I think that having a decent place to live has reduced my stress… I eat better … I exercise more" (Kirsh et al, 2011, p. 21). In comparison, security and stability were undermined by housing in poor physical condition or neighbourhoods perceived as threatening (Carpenter-Song et al, 2012;Kirkpatrick & Byrne, 2011;Kirsh et al, 2011;Lindström et al, 2010;Nelson et al, 2005;Raphael-Greenfield & Gutman, 2015;Whitley et al, 2008).…”