March 2025

Housing is an important component to CARE, since finding stability and staying connected to treatment is difficult when a person is experiencing the stressors associated with living outdoors, in a tent, or a vehicle. CARE respondents can benefit from a diverse range of housing, including clinically enhanced interim or bridge housing, licensed adult and senior care facilities, supportive housing, or housing with family and friends. Many counties offer an array of housing options through various departments. The CARE respondent, along with the supports they choose (e.g., volunteer supporter, peer, case manager), may identify an appropriate housing program in the CARE agreement or CARE plan. Consider reviewing the training materials and resources related CARE housing, including:

• Practical Approaches to Housing for the CARE Act: Discusses housing models and funding sources for persons with serious mental illness (SMI) who are experiencing housing instability, including a discussion of the challenges.  
• Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Housing the CARE Population: Revisits approaches to housing in the CARE process, including how CARE addresses housing, an overview of the Housing First Continuum, and considerations for supporting housing stability for persons with SMI.
• Housing, Services, & Supports Available Through the CARE Act: Training for Supporters: Provides an overview of the volunteer supporter’s role with regards to housing and community supports in the CARE Act. Counties could share this training with potential and/or approved volunteer supporters.

County BH can also review the Housing and Community Supports Technical Assistance Activities, which lists a variety of TA options that HMA can provide. To request these technical support services, please complete the Request TTA form here.