Who are shelter housing users and what do they expect?

ObjectivesAnswers were sought to the following questions: who are sheltered housing users?; how do they evaluate the accommodation offer?; and what is the position of sheltered housing in the support systems for the mentally ill?MethodParticipants in the study were 302 people diagnosed with schizophrenia (F-20), who had been users of support systems in Warsaw, Cracow and Lublin for at least 3 months. In this sample, 34 participants lived in sheltered accommodation. The Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Community Support System Use Questionnaire and the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) were administered to each sample participant.ResultsSheltered housing users turned out to be relatively young and well educated. They presented with low levels of psychopathological symptoms and difficulties in social functioning. Many of them were users of other rehabilitation programs, such as Community Self-Help Centers, patient clubs and supported employment programs. Accessibility of contacts with other people, learning new skills and a sense of security were considered to be the most important benefits of sheltered housing.ConclusionsSheltered housing should be a part of broader support systems, since only under such circumstances, living in sheltered accommodation can have a truly positive impact on the recovery process. When people with mental illness are offered sheltered housing, they should participate in the planning of a comprehensive psychosocial intervention, including also more active forms of support and rehabilitation.