Since deinstitutionalization in the 1960s and 1970s, finding permanent housing in the community has been a top priority for those living with a serious mental health condition. Living in the community provides opportunities for recovery including employment, education, social relationships, and community inclusion. However, there are barriers for this population to not only obtaining housing but remaining stably housed. Providing support to people with mental health conditions living in the community can aid in skill building that is essential to living independently. Permanent Supportive Housing is an evidence-based practice that has been shown to help people live in the community by building independent living skills.

The Northeast and Caribbean MHTTC in the Rutgers Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions believes Permanent Supportive Housing is a critical intervention that supports recovery from serious mental illnesses. It aligns with the values of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and the belief that recovery is possible. The Northeast and Caribbean MHTTC has expertise in Supportive Housing as a result of the Department’s role as a training and TA center on Supporting Housing within New Jersey, multiple staff with experience providing evidence-based housing services, and researchers conducting studies on the topic.