The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47034

John Hornik, PhD¹, Terri Tobin, PhD¹, Blossom Davies, PhD¹, and Krista Gile, MS². (1) Advocates for Human Potential, 59 Carriage Road, Amherst, MA 01002, (518) 475-9146 x244, jhornik@ahpnet.com, (2) Research and Evaluation, Advocates for Human Potential, 262 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054

This presentation will focus on services needed and received by residents of three different types of housing programs, scattered site supported housing, supervised/licensed apartments, and group homes. The specific services include standard community mental health and social services (e.g., outpatient treatment, job training, dental care), as well as very specific services that are often delivered by residential program staff (e.g., assistance managing medication, learning to advocate for oneself). Information from residents was obtained from extensive, face-to-face interviews; information from staff was obtained through a shorter, mailed survey about each individual resident with their written consent.

We will report service comparisons by program type, by residents’ and staff reports of service utilization and unmet need, as well as which services were delivered by housing program staff and/or staff of other community mental health programs. Program differences in the pattern of services include greater attention to such needs as dealing with the landlord in supported housing and greater attention to public benefits and making medical appointments in the more restrictive programs.

We will also show comparisons over time from entry into the program to 12-18 months after admission and 24-42 months after admission within one site. Differences include greater attention to such needs as setting goals for the future, crisis assistance and staying sober among new residents and greater attention to planning enjoyable things to do among residents who have been in the program. Finally we will present analysis of the impact of services on resident outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to describe the range of services offered and received in three different types of housing programs, changes in services received over time, and the impact of services on resident outcomes.

Keywords: Housing,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.