This presentation describes a prospective evaluation of Project H.O.M.E., a community-focused urban homelessness prevention organization. Offering a continuum of housing: safe havens, group homes, highly supportive and minimally supportive housing, this residential model has a number of features that allow for a personalized coordination of housing and clinical services. Residents can freely access services and programs appropriate for their needs and histories. Providing supportive housing within a community rooted in respect for the individual, Project H.O.M.E. assists residents to achieve their fullest potential through a collaboration of public and private individuals and agencies.
Using a quasi-experimental design, this study examines housing status, psychosocial and clinical outcomes of 138 persons living in Philadelphia diagnosed with SMI who have histories of chronic homelessness over a period of 18 months from 1997 to 1999. Detailed residential and psychiatric histories and uses of medical, mental health, rehabilitative, vocational, educational and social services were recorded for 62 residents of Project H.O.M.E. and 72 residents living in various housing settings across the city. Two follow-up interviews were then conducted at six-month intervals thereafter. Residents in Project H.O.M.E. show significant differences from the control group residents in the number of days in stable housing, case management, the number and frequency of psychiatric symptoms and social functioning. Program and evaluative processes will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Objective: Understand the link between community-focused housing program on psychosocial functioning and housing retention among persons with serious mental illness (SMI) and histories of chronic homelessness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.