Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) provides affordable housing and support services. It gives people a safe place to live and the help they need. These services help people live stable, healthy, and independent lives with dignity. 

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) homes are for adults and families with serious mental health or substance use challenges who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Housing and services work together to help people stay housed and build better lives.  

This housing is permanent. There is no time limit. 


What Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Does

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) combines: 

  • Affordable rental housing 
  • A long-term lease 
  • On-site or connected behavioral health services 
  • Case management 
  • Support with daily living skills 
  • Connections to community resources 

The goal is to:

  • End chronic homelessness 
  • Support recovery 
  • Reduce mental health and substance use crisis care and hospital visits 
  • Help people live independently 

How Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Is Different from Shelters 

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is not a shelter. Shelters are temporary. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): 

  • Provides a real apartment 
  • Includes a lease 
  • Has no time limit 
  • Includes ongoing services 

Residents can stay as long as they follow their lease agreement.  


Who Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Serves 

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) serves: 

  • Adults and families with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders 
  • People experiencing homelessness, at-risk of chronic homelessness, or chronically homelessness 
  • People who qualify for behavioral health services 
  • People eligible for Full Service Partnership services 

Units are reserved for people connected to Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services. 

Housing Portfolio in Sacramento County 

Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services has invested in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) since 2007. Currently the portfolio includes: 

19 active properties

498 dedicated apartments

Housing for children, youth, adults, and older adults

661 total apartments including new developments

New apartments are continually being planned and added. Housing is developed in partnership with community housing organizations across Sacramento County.

How to Access Permanent Supportive Housing 

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units reserved by Behavioral Health Services are accessed through​ Full Service Partnership programs. 

Access typically begins by qualifying for behavioral health services. 

To Start

​​Contact Behavioral Health Service-Screening and Coordination (BHS-SAC)

For general housing and homelessness resources, call 2-1-1. 

For Housing Development Partners 

Sacramento County partners with nonprofit and affordable housing developers to expand Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). The County continues to grow its housing portfolio to meet community needs. Organizations interested in partnership opportunities may contact Behavioral Health Services for more information.