This analytical thesis explores the effectiveness of long term supportive housing for individuals recovering from chronic mental illness. The content of this thesis reviews the services and housing provided to this population in the past, how housing and residential treatment is implemented now, and what can be done moving forward to better transition these individuals into their communities. The content of the thesis is guided by the perspectives of systems theory, citizenship theory, and conflict theory.

A discussion on the theories and the history of housing options for this vulnerable population will begin the thesis before further discussing and reviewing research and literature on the efficacy of current housing options in the United States of America. While the focus of this thesis is focused on supportive housing for the mentally ill, particularly in the United States of America, these topics lead discussion to healthcare, substance use, the criminal justice system, and how supportive housing is implemented in other nations, such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.