For people living with serious mental health conditions, the moment of discharge from a psychiatric hospital can be one of the most vulnerable points in their lives—especially for those who are unhoused. When individuals leave inpatient care without stable housing or coordinated follow-up support, it often leads to repeated hospitalizations, worsening health, and a return to homelessness.
New Narrative is helping change that trajectory through participation in a new pilot called the Systems of Care: Psychiatric Hospital to Housing Demonstration Project, partnering with regional hospitals and behavioral health and housing providers. Launching in March 2026, this one-year pilot is designed to create clear, coordinated pathways from inpatient psychiatric care into housing and ongoing mental health services for people with the highest needs.
How the Program Works
Hospitals, behavioral health providers, and housing partners will come together as one coordinated team. Partnering organizations will jointly plan and customize each transition according to the patient’s needs—connecting individuals directly from inpatient psychiatric care to a short-term, fully staffed motel shelter, outpatient mental health services, and ultimately longer-term housing. Participants receive clear communication about their options and timelines, providing support and reducing anxiety at a critical moment.
During the scope of the pilot, up to 30 individuals in Multnomah County—about five per month—will be supported through this more coordinated and effective approach. Outcomes such as housing stability, reduced hospital readmissions, and improved access to ongoing care will be carefully tracked to inform future expansion.
Why This Matters
Stable housing is one of the strongest foundations for mental health recovery. When people have a safe place to live and consistent follow-up care, they are far more likely to stay well, avoid crisis, and reconnect with their communities. This pilot aims to ensure housing and aftercare, post-hospital discharge, while also addressing racial equity and systemic gaps in care.
While this pilot leverages existing resources and partnerships for a relatively short period, our intention is to scale up this improved coordination process to cover a wider regional area. A scaled-up, fully operational program requires sustained community investment. Financial support for New Narrative helps strengthen the infrastructure that makes coordinated care possible—experienced staff, trusted housing partnerships, and recovery-oriented services that meet people where they are.
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