You may wish to start by consulting NAMI’s website that offers information about securing stable housing. A key resource is to contact your local NAMI Affiliate and request to attend a free NAMI Connection or NAMI Family Support Group. There, you can network with others in the community about potential availability of local housing resources and inquire about other local resources that may serve people with disabilities, including mental illnesses. To find your nearest NAMI Affiliate, click on your state through the Find Your Local NAMI menu. Additional resources include:
- For immediate and emergency housing, the online Homeless Shelter Directory provides information on homeless shelters and other social services throughout the country.
- Section 811 is a government program with low-cost supportive housing program for people living with disabilities. The HUD Resource Locator displays an online network of affordable housing options, housing for individuals with special needs, homeless resources and many other housing-related options in your area. You can also contact HUD at (800) 569-4287 to learn more.
- Find your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) by using the HUD Public Housing and Resource Center. Your PHA provides referrals for subsidies, information and guidance for Section 8 voucher holders and public housing residents. To reach their service center, contact (800) 955-2232.
- The ILRU website maintains a Directory of Centers for Independent Living. Each is a consumer‑controlled, community‑based, cross‑disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services, including, at a minimum, the following core services:
- Information & referral
- Independent living skills training
- Individual and systems advocacy
- Peer counseling
- Transition assistance from nursing homes and other institutions to community-based residences
- Assisting individuals to avoid institutional placement
- Transition of youth with significant disabilities after completion of secondary education to postsecondary life.
- Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is a website that provides helpful primer FAQs on the basics of supportive housing, and their Supportive Housing Toolkit.
- The Technical Assistance Collaborative’s website includes a state-by-state list of agencies and voucher programs.
- National Mental Health Consumer’s Self-Help Clearinghouse is a nationwide directory to locate local consumer-driven mental health services, including resources such as Clubhouses, crisis prevention/respite services, drop-in Centers, employment resources, housing, peer case management and support. The website maintains search function for its directory of local CDS (consumer-driven services).