ICAN Housing

Providing employment for an individual dealing with mental illness and homelessness may enable them to earn income for themselves, but it won’t address the challenges they face in managing their mental health conditions—factors that often play a large role in their homelessness. In addition, in many areas, especially those in which affordable housing is particularly scarce, it’s incredibly difficult to find a safe and stable place to live with the government housing subsidy (less than $800/month) that some living with mental health conditions receive.

Sometimes it’s assumed that those living on the street or in a shelter don’t have a desire work, or lack the intelligence to do so. However, many in these situations want to provide for themselves but are unable to hold a job due to the disabling nature of their conditions. Others are employed but don’t earn enough to secure housing. In addition, many of the realities of homelessness, - such as a lack of permanent address - make it difficult for those seeking work to gain employment.