Free housing for people with a mentally illness
Several government housing programs as well as non-profit provide a free place to stay for people with a mental illness. The resources range from HUD Section 811 to Lutheran Family Services, Volunteers of America supportive housing, transitional housing programs and others. Find free or low cost housing or apartment for the mentally ill.
While some of the programs are income-based (meaning the amount of rent is based on the applicant’s income even if from SSI), others are free. The non-profits or charities not only give a place to stay for an individual with a mental illness, but they offer support in other ways, such as transportation, homecare, counseling and more. The housing for the mentally ill can be either government owned, homeless shelters or transitional apartments or there are privately owned homes as well for the disabled.
Free government housing for people with a mental illness
Programs from the government that will help people with a mental illness will be focused on those with a limited or no income who have a diagnosed mental illness or that are disabled, such as adults social security SSI. Applicants to free housing programs or income based homes need to have a challenge that significantly impairs their ability to live independently.
The HUD Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program is income based for the disabled, including for people with a mental illness. If the renter’s income is low enough (or if they have no money or income), the housing will be free. The program is also commonly called Housing and Urban Development Section 811.
- The tenant will be able to find their own approved home, apartment, assisted living facility, licensed care home or some other unit to live in. The federal government will provide a free voucher to the mentally ill tenant and that will be used to pay the portion of the rent due that is above and beyond what the tenant can pay. There will also be financial help for a security deposit or moving costs to help someone with a mental illness get settled into their new home.
In general, 30% of the tenant’s income (whether from SSI, social security or some other source) needs to be paid for the housing program. Any balance of rent due will in fact be free as it is paid by the government as part of Section 811. Public Housing Authorities will accept applications, and locate a PHA in your area.
Homeless people with a mental illness can get help from Housing First. This is a free state and federal government program that will help homeless people, including the mentally ill, move from being homeless to placement into a permanent home, which can be free supportive housing, assistive living or some other place. Housing First is free to the mentally ill as it is a government benefit, and learn more on More on HUD Housing First.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers are government backed organizations that provide information to seniors, the disabled (including people with a mental illness) and adults on social security. A toll free helpline from U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (which overseas the locations) will provide assistance in finding, and applying too, free supportive housing programs that take people with a mental illness. Or the ADRC will help with locating shelter, grant money and other benefits for a mental disability. Call 1-877-696-6775.
Non-profits that offer free supportive housing to the mentally ill
Several national charity organizations provide income based or free apartments or supportive housing to people with a mental illness or disability. Note these will often have a waiting list and not all of the national or local non-profits, including near you, may offer it. But they can be an option as well. In general, applicants will need diagnosis, income, and in some cases a history of homelessness or risk of becoming homeless.
Volunteers of America has many housing programs, including for people with a mental disability, the homeless, and low-income among others. The national charity offer income based assistive living or free supportive communities, emergency shelters for the mentally ill, food, medical and other support. Most states have a VOA charity in them; however resources vary. Find housing from Volunteers of America.
Free transitional housing for adults with a mental illness are available, including in most local communities. There are charities, non-profit medical facilities, hospitals and other places that offer a free, emergency place to stay, including for the homeless with a mental condition. The goal is to offer a safe place to stay as well as counseling and eventual placement into permanent housing or apartments. Locate transitional housing near you for mentally ill.
Housing programs from Lutheran Services are an option for individuals with a mental illness or a history of addiction and substance abuse. This can include adults, teens, or veterans among others as well. The apartments or communities provide supportive services and daily, including counseling, job training, and free activities that foster independence for the disabled with a mental illness. Learn about resources from Lutheran Services.
Homeless shelters will help the mentally ill get a free place to stay for a crisis. In general, these are short-term solutions in which a bed, meal, and other support is arranged for a night or so, maybe a few days. But there are shelters in most areas, including at churches, charities and non-profits, for those with a disability or mental illness. Charities such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and others offer temporary housing to people with a mental challenge or past substance abuse issue. Locate an homeless shelter open tonight near you.
Additional resources
There are other agencies that help individuals with a mental illness, including homeless adults. The goal is to help them find affordable or free supportive housing. Mental Health America is also a effective resource. National Alliance on Mental Illness is another resource for information on free housing assistance, and dial 800-950-6264. While eligibility criteria can vary by non-profit or government, the goal is to help them find an emergency place to stay while long term housing needs are met.
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