A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the legislative research commission to study the feasibility and cost‑effectiveness of establishing a statewide supportive housing INITIATIVE for individuals with mental health, developmental, OR substance abuse disabilities.
Whereas, individuals with mental health, developmental, or substance abuse disabilities often have multiple barriers to appropriate and stable housing and employment; and
Whereas, these individuals can successfully live in the community with the proper services and supports; and
Whereas, studies have shown that supportive housing leads to improved functioning in individuals with mental health, developmental, or substance abuse disabilities, and also leads to reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations, increased use of appropriate services, and increased satisfaction with overall quality of life, including for individuals with significant mental health, developmental, or substance abuse disabilities; and
Whereas, stable employment is a critical factor in an individual's ability to succeed in a community setting; and
Whereas, supportive housing initiatives tend to increase an individual's participation in work and employment services; and
Whereas, the costs of creating and operating supportive housing are offset by savings in other public systems; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.(a)  The Legislative Research Commission shall study the feasibility and cost‑effectiveness of establishing a statewide supportive housing initiative for individuals with mental health, developmental, or substance abuse disabilities.  The study shall examine whether this type of initiative could achieve each of the following goals with respect to this population:
(1)	Fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
(2)	Fewer and shorter stays in psychiatric hospitals.
(3)	Improved treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.
(4)	Improved levels of functioning within the community setting.
(5)	Expanded funding resources for necessary and appropriate treatment, through Medicaid and other available sources.
(6)	Decreased arrest, incarceration, and recidivism rates.
(7)	Decreased rates of homelessness.
(8)	Improved safety within the community setting for both clients and the public.
(9)	Decreased rates of unemployment and improved supports for maintaining employment consistent with individual preferences and skills.
SECTION 1.(b)   The Legislative Research Commission shall report its findings and recommendations, including any proposals for legislation or administrative action, to the General Assembly no later than April 1, 2011.  The Commission shall address all of the following in its findings and recommendations:
(1)	A recommendation as to whether and how a statewide supportive housing initiative could achieve each of the goals referenced in subdivisions (1) through (9) of subsection (a) of this section.
(2)	The number of supportive housing units that would be necessary for successful implementation of a statewide supportive housing initiative in North Carolina.
(3)	The amount of capital investment that would be necessary for initiating and maintaining a statewide supportive housing initiative.
(4)	Different funding resources that could be used to pay for ongoing operational costs of a statewide supportive housing initiative.
(5)	The potential cost‑savings to be achieved by the State through implementation of a statewide supportive housing initiative.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.