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These resources empower participants living with mental illness through affordable and safe housing so they can achieve their goals.

Affordable & Safe Housing

The foundation of stability and personal growth.

For someone with a mental health condition, the basic necessity of a stable home can be hard to come by. The lack of safe and affordable housing is one of the most powerful barriers to recovery.

When this basic need isn’t met, people cycle in and out of homelessness, jails, shelters, and hospitals. Having a safe, appropriate place to live provides the stability required to achieve your goals and prevent involvement in the criminal justice system.

Many people with a serious mental illness live on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which averages just 18% of the median income and can make finding an affordable home nearly impossible. Finding stable, safe, and affordable housing can help you on your journey to recovery and prevent hospitalizations.

Local Housing Providers

Journeys | The Road Home

PALATINE

Hope Center (Food, Laundry, Counseling), Interim Housing, Case Management.

1-847-963-9163

Northwest Compass

MOUNT PROSPECT

Housing stabilization, Food pantry, and Career Coaching.

1-847-392-2344

Impact Behavioral Health

EVANSTON

Wraparound care: Housing, Employment services, and Clinical Therapy.

1-847-868-8664

Open Communities

EVANSTON

Housing counseling and advocacy for victims of housing discrimination.

1-847-501-5760

Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (HODC)

SKOKIE

A community-based nonprofit that develops, manages, and preserves housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households primarily in Chicago’s northern suburbs.

1-847-564-2900

What Should You Look For In Housing?

Affordability: Ideally, you should pay no more than 30% of your income for housing costs. Paying more may make it hard to afford basic needs like health care and food.

Independence: Freedom to choose your level of care is vital. Different housing types offer different levels of care, so choose the one that supports your recovery best.

Physical Needs: Housing should meet your physical accessibility needs and be located close to treatment providers and public transportation.

Discrimination-Free: The Fair Housing Act bars discrimination based on disability. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations and modifications for your needs.

The Spectrum of Housing Options

Supervised Group Housing

Provides the most support. Trained staff are present 24/7 to assist with medication, meals, daily tasks, and treatment management.

Partially Supervised

Staff is present part-time. Residents can perform most daily tasks independently but have access to help when needed.

Supportive Housing

Limited assistance. Residents live almost independently with infrequent staff check-ins and on-call emergency resources.

Independent Rental

For those who are completely independent. Rent may be subsidized by non-profits or government programs like Section 8.

Financial Assistance (HUD)

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher): Federal assistance for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals. Residents typically pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent and utilities.

Section 811: A dedicated federal program for adults with disabilities that combines rental subsidies with access to case management and employment assistance.

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