Linkages is a state-funded permanent supportive housing program designed to provide rental subsidies, utility assistance and supportive services to vulnerable populations in order to link them with community-based, individualized services. The program is collaboratively-run by MFA, which oversees the housing component, and the State’s Human Services Department (HSD) – Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD), which oversees the supportive services. Program participants must be homeless or at risk of homelessness, be extremely low-income and have a serious mental illness or co-occurring diagnosis. As part of the program, participants receive monthly rental and utility assistance, ongoing case management with monthly visits as well as voluntary behavioral health services.

The program provides safe, affordable housing for participants, wrap-around services and leverages Medicaid dollars. MFA and HSD are operating the program at nearly 100% capacity, and there is still extensive demand. Due to the great need for Linkages, support services agencies have had to start waitlists. Sadly, there are few options while applicants are on waitlists. Due to lack of housing and support services, persons experiencing chronic homelessness cycle through expensive de facto housing solutions, including jails, prisons, emergency rooms, psychiatric hospitals and short-term shelters. Some studies estimate that on average a person experiencing chronic homelessness costs taxpayers between $30,000 to $50,000 per year. Housing for persons with serious behavioral health conditions that incorporates long term support can help alleviate these costs.