Typically, community response is most favorable to development of housing that mixes people with mental illness with others who may require no support and/or who will rent at market rates. Most of the programs mentioned above are predicated on development of such "integrated" (also known as "scattered-site") housing. A building with eight units, for example, may include just one or two units for persons with mental illness. Developers and most community mental health agencies frown on development of properties with many units, all of which are to be occupied by people with mental illness. Such "congregate" housing is a target for community opposition and is seen by many advocates as inimical to the concepts of community integration and recovery. Just the same, it should be pointed out that some communities have seen opportunities arise for development or redevelopment projects that are targeted exclusively to people with mental illness.  Still, such projects are growing less common. ^[1]  

It should be remembered that people with mental illness fall at different points on a continuum.  For some, independent housing with only occasional supports is appropriate.  For others, intensely supervised housing is necessary to ensure their safety and success in the community.  It would be a mistake for a community to institute a housing plan that doesn't account for this range of needs.  To ensure appropriate housing development, a community should assess the housing options available as well as indications of need, such as waiting lists for section 8 housing or the numbers of people with mental illness found to be inadequately housed in shelters, with relatives, or, indeed, in jails or prisons.