Where can I find a group home or supported housing?

You may wish to start by consulting NAMI’s website that offers information about securing stable housing. A key resource is to contact your local NAMI Affiliate and request to attend a free NAMI Connection or NAMI Family Support Group. There, you can network with others in the community about potential availability of local housing resources and inquire about other local resources that may serve people with mental illness. To find your nearest NAMI Affiliate, click on your state through the “ Find Your Local NAMI" menu. Additionally, inquire with the local Affiliate regarding local resources (some state and local jurisdictions maintain lists of housing resources for people with disabilities, including mental illnesses).  See, for example, this list of supportive housing resources in New York State,  Supportive Housing Network of New York.  Additional resources include:
  • For immediate and emergency housing, the Homeless Shelter Directory provides information on homeless shelters and other social services throughout the country. 
  • Community Behavioral Health Services: these resources and services vary by county/local jurisdiction and can be found by searching the website of your county or local jurisdiction’s Department of Health and Human Services. 
  • Section 811 is a government program with low-cost supportive housing for people living with disabilities. The Housing and Urban Development Resource Locator (HUD) displays an online network of affordable housing options, housing for individuals with special needs, homeless resources and many other housing-related options in your area. You can also contact HUD at (800) 569-4287 to learn more. 
  • Find your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) by using the HUD Public Housing and Resource Center. Your PHA provides referrals for subsidies, information and guidance for Section 8 voucher holders and public housing residents. To reach their service center, contact (800) 955-2232. 
  • The ILRU website maintains a Directory of Centers for Independent Living. Each is a consumer‑controlled, community‑based, cross‑disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services, including, at a minimum, the following core services:
    • Information and referral
    • Independent living skills training
    • Individual and systems advocacy
    • Peer counseling
    • Transition assistance from nursing homes and other institutions to community-based residences
    • Assistance with avoiding institutional placement
    • Transition assistance for youth with significant disabilities after they complete of secondary education
  • The Technical Assistance Collaborative’s website includes a state-by-state list of agencies and voucher programs.
  • National Mental Health Consumer’s Self-Help Clearinghouse is a nationwide directory to locate local consumer-driven mental health services, including resources such as clubhouses, crisis prevention/respite services, drop-in centers, employment resources, housing, peer case management and support. The website maintains a search function for its directory of local CDS (consumer-driven services).

Hours of operation Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST 

Call: 800-950-NAMI (6264) 

Text: 62640 

Webchat: www.nami.org/help  

Email: helpline@nami.org

Still need help? Contact Us Contact Us