A working group was established by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials to focus on the issue of housing mentally disabled and elderly persons in public housing. The group conducted a survey of 120 public housing agencies (PHAs). Of 90 PHAs responding, 74.5% reported that housing elderly persons with mentally disabled persons was an issue in their community. They recommended: (1) reexamination of policies that mandate housing the elderly and mentally disabled in elderly projects; (2) additional funding for PHAs to provide greater staff support in screening, assessment and provision of resident social services; and (3) greater coordination between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and mental health agencies to ensure consistent and on-going care for persons with severe mental illnesses (authors).
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