The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a housing transition program for homeless shelter residents with chronic mental illness and substance use.

A two-group controlled study design was used to assess the program, with 10 participants in an intervention group and 10 in a control group. Goal attainment scaling and quality of life ratings were used pre- and post-intervention to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between groups at post-intervention.

A statistically significant difference existed between intervention and control group goal attainment scaling scores (U = 9.50, p < .03, d = 1.34), and on quality of life scores (U = 10.50, p < .04, d = 1.30) at post-intervention. At a 6-month follow-up, 57.14% of intervention group participants had transitioned into supportive housing, while only 25% of control group participants had transitioned.

Findings suggest that intervention participants made greater progress toward desired housing goals and reported higher quality of life ratings than controls at post-intervention. This study provides support for the effectiveness of a housing program for homeless adults with chronic mental illness and substance use histories to achieve housing goals and higher quality of life ratings.