Milbank Quarterly

Volume 72 Number 1, 1994


The Effects of Independent Living on Persons with Chronic Mental Illness: An Assessment of the Section 8 Certificate Program

Sandra J. Newman et al.

The feasibility of the Section 8 certificate program for individuals with chronic mental illness (CMI) and the outcomes assosciated with independent housing are examined. The analysis is based on data from a longitudinal survey of Section 8 certificate users in Baltimore and Hamnpton County (Cincinnati) and on information from Section 8 application forms in each site. A pre-post research design was used to examine changes in hospitalization, residential stability, and mental health service outcomes. Four key dimensions of the CMI certificate program are examined: affordability, housing conditions, and service gaps. Results suggest that the certificate program has a positive effect on independent living, that certificate use is assosciated with positive mental health outcomes, and that there is no evidence of 'creaming' among program applicants.

Milbank Memorial Fund HomepageMilbank Memorial QuarterlyReportsBooksEditorial and Program StaffBoards