Comparison of completers and noncompleters in a transitional residential program for homeless mentally ill

Two groups of clients in a transitional residential program, designated as completers and noncompleters, were compared to evaluate program effectiveness. Clinical records of 228 former clients were examined for demographics, needs on admission, participation in activities, length of stay, psychiatric diagnosis, and type of discharge. This program discharged 48% (110) of the residents according to the contract established on admission. Mean length of stay for program completers was 143 days; length of stay varied for noncompleters. Subjects who completed the program were more likely to obtain permanent housing than noncompleters. Participation in at least two activities while in residence was significantly related to program completion. Type of discharge or length of stay did not vary significantly by Axis 1 psychiatric diagnosis, including chemical dependence, or gender.