Community Approaches to the Siting of Psychiatric Housing

Abstract

This article examines community planning and communications approaches used by mental health housing organizations in the siting process for community-based psychiatric housing. Drawing on interviews with housing administrators in 7 states, it assesses variations in the approach, content, timing, and modes of agency communications with community leaders, neighbors, and local citizens, and the association of these communications methods with initial and longer-term community responses to the site. The study provides evidence to inform practice for the development of community approaches to the siting of psychiatric housing.

Keywords:

• Community building
• community practice
• housing
• inclusive community and social inclusion
• community development
• NIMBY