An examination of the creation and impact of a supported housing program for psychiatric consumer/survivors

Supported housing has existed for approximately a decade, but knowledge on the implementation of the approach and the impacts on consumer/survivors is scarce. The current qualitative study described a supported housing program in Winnipeg, Manitoba and determined a fit with the definition of supported housing developed by Parkinson, Nelson, and Horgan (1999). Information was presented regarding the implementation process of this program, including review of the program operations, implementation of the shift, remedying difficulties, and maintaining practice within the values of the community integration/empowerment paradigm As well, three individuals shared personal stories of their involvement in the program and the changes they experienced. Analysis of these stories revealed changes in key dimensions of the community integration/empowerment paradigm, including participation/empowerment, community integration/support, access to valued resources, and health and well-being. The findings were discussed in terms of implementation issues and their implications for supported housing research and practice