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Blueprint for Change: Ending Chronic Homelessness for Persons With Serious Mental Illnesses and/or Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders

NCJ Number
213969
Author(s)
Susan Wells; Francine Williams M.A.; Deborah Dennis M.A.
Date Published
2003
Length
135 pages
Annotation
This document provides state-of-the-art information on how to end homelessness for people who have serious mental illnesses, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders.
Abstract
The first chapter reviews the current state of community-based treatment for people with serious mental illnesses and/or co-occurring substance use disorders; and it notes the Federal response to homelessness for this population. The second chapter examines the characteristics of people with serious mental illnesses and/or co-occurring substance use disorders who become homeless, as well as the barriers to their regaining mental and residential stability and sobriety. Chapter three focuses on the concept and practice of recovery and outlines both person-centered and system-level values that govern service delivery and systems change. Principles and mechanisms designed to build coalitions, integrate services, and achieve systems change are discussed in chapter four. This is followed by a chapter that presents an overview of funding sources for housing and supportive services, as well as principles for accessing and using these resources in the community. Chapter six presents a set of evidence-based and promising practices for the provision of housing, treatment, and support services for people with serious mental disorders and/or co-occurring substance use disorders who are homeless. A chapter then examines the importance of and ways to ensure accountability in an integrated system of care. The final chapter describes the range of resources available to people who are homeless.