Where can I find a group home or supported housing?

You may wish to start by consulting NAMI’s Securing Stable Housing webpage, which provides an overview of what you should look for in housing and different types of supported housing to look for depending on your needs.

Housing Resources

  • For immediate and emergency housing, the Homeless Shelter Directory provides information on homeless shelters and other social services throughout the country.  
  • 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. 

A good place to find more information on supported housing in your area is your local NAMI affiliate. Some NAMI affiliates maintain a list of housing resources for people with disabilities on their website. You can also call your local NAMI affiliate and ask about supported housing resources in the area. Participating in an education course or support group through your local NAMI is a great way to network with other people who may have experience securing supported housing in your community. 

Another way to find supported housing resources is to contact the community behavioral health services in your county. Local behavioral health agencies tend to offer the most comprehensive programs and resources for people living with serious mental illness. They may be able to connect you with supported housing programs in your area. You can find your local CBHC by dialing 2-1-1 or by searching online for “community mental health [city] [state].” 

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

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