Policy Issues & Resources: Employment & Housing
Estimates suggest that only about 1 out of 3 individuals with mental illness are employed, despite many wanting to work. Oftentimes limited access to meaningful employment supports, fear of losing government benefits, cognitive impairments that create challenges in the working world, and other factors are associated with this low employment rate. And yet, employment has been shown to play a vital role in social inclusion and feelings of empowerment.
Similarly, the lack of safe, affordable, and integrated housing has been identified as a major barrier to full community participation for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. Individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders are over-represented in the chronically homeless population; in fact, the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers & Clients, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, found that among adults using homeless services, 31% have mental health or substance use problems in the past year. An additional 17% of surveyed individuals had a substance use problem in the past year.
In its final report, the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health identifed meaningful employment and housing supports as being vital to the well-being of individuals with behavioral health problems.
Recent News I Official Comments I Official Letters I Issue Briefs I
Fact Sheets I Additional Resources
Recent News
- Feb. 9 Product Showcase Webinar will Highlight Supported Employment Strategies
- National Council Webinars to Address Consumer Engagement, Supportive Housing
- Participate in National Teleconference on Ticket to Work Program
Official Comments
- National Council Joins 22 Groups in Submitting Comments on SSA Appeals Process
- National Council joined other other advocate groups in submitting Comments on HUD's Notice of Funding Availability foy FY09.
Official Letters
- Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities sign on letter in support of the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009
- Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities letters to Rep. Barney Frank and Sen. Jack Reed supporting a $1 billion allocation to the National Housing Trust Fund
- National Council Signs on to Letter in Support of One-Time Payment to SSI beneficiaries
- Senate letter Requesting Support for S. 1730, a Bill to Facilitate Appropriate Services and Accommodations for Families that Include Persons with Disabilities
- Letter to House Leadership in Support of the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008
Issue Briefs
- Meaningful Employment for Individuals with Mental Illness
- TAC Brief on Housing Challenges Faced by Individuals with Disabilities
Fact Sheets
- Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law Fact Sheet on Supportive Housing
- National Council Summary of Social Security and Housing Provisions in ARRA
- SSA Releases Guide to Employment Supports for Individuals on SSI and SSDI
- SSA Updated Fact Sheet on the New Ticket to Work Program
- SSA Updated Resource for Employment Networks (ENs)
- Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Fact Sheet on the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act
Additional Resources
- SAMHSA Tools for Addressing Co-Occurring MH/SU Disorders and Homelessness
- SSA Invites Provides to Become Employment Networks Under the Ticket to Work Program
- Details of One-Time Payment to SSI Beneficiaries via the ARRA
- National Council Live on the New Ticket to Work: Supporting Employment
- Recording and Presentation from the National Council Live on Changes to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit: New Opportunities for Housing Development
- Guide: Serving the Employment Needs of Justice-Involved Juveniles and Adults
- National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness
- Updated Fact Sheet on the Ticket-to-Work Program
- Information for Employment Networks (Ticket-to-Work)
