This article represents an initial effort to systematically examine the mental health effects of independent housing on people with severe mental illness and, in particular, the effects of Section 8 certificates. According to the authors, the results are suggestive: raising the possibility that providing more affordable and higher quality housing for people with severe mental illness can convey additional benefits above and beyond those associated with the general Section 8 certificate program, primarily lower rent burdens and physically adequate dwellings (authors).