In a review of 47 studies from 1973—1993, researchers found that property values remain unaffected by homes for people with disabilities. The studies also revealed that group homes do not make properties close to the homes harder to sell.¹ 

For example: Julian Wolpert, Princeton University, studied the impact of group homes for people with mental retardation in ten NY State communities and compared the findings with 42 other communities without group homes. Wolpert found that there was no significant difference in property values and no decline in the value of adjacent properties in the study area.²

Another study of property market activity around 12 Philadelphia mental health facilities also concluded that no decline in sales prices occurred due to the presence of community homes.³

The Community Services Information Program reviewed a total of 58 studies, spanning nearly two decades, from 1970-1989. The research reviewed consistently demonstrated that group homes have not negatively impacted property values or property turnover rates.⁴ 

Among these studies, S. Breslow, Princeton University, reviewed the impact of 16 community residences for the developmentally disabled, mentally ill, veterans, neglected children and the elderly on the real estate market in White Plains, NY. He found that the homes did not depress property values and, in some cases, caused appreciation of property values.⁵ (Believed to be the result of renovations to the homes.)

In Stamford Connecticut, property values in eight neighborhoods with group homes were compared to 23 neighborhoods without group homes. The group homes housed chronically mentally ill and mentally retarded adults, homeless families, adolescent males and recovering alcoholics. The researchers concluded that the data provided strong evidence that group homes have no effect on property values.⁶

People with disabilities are no more dangerous than the population - at - large. Indeed, studies have shown that people with disabilities are more likely to be victims, themselves. Still, there are many myths associated with having a disability. The myth that people with disabilities are dangerous creates a painful obstacle for people with developmental disabilities or mental illness.

DHS has a 20-year track record of providing safe, quality residential programs in local communities. These homes are just like any other, except that there is an agency operating the home whose staff members assist the residents. As part of their contract obligation to the department, community agencies are responsible for maintaining the home and property, as well as for assisting or supervising the residents.

• Prohibits local zoning rules to discriminate in housing opportunities for the disabled;
• Makes it unlawful to deny a dwelling to any buyer or renter because of a handicap.

• requires all residential districts in the State to permit new community residences.
• Specifically protects community residences that are licensed by the State
• Prohibits municipal authorities from excluding group homes from their communities (S.210); and requires DHS to place handicapped individuals in community residences whenever possible (N.J.S.A.30:6-D-13 and N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1)
• In addition, State Statute (N.J.S.A. 30:11-B-5) requires DHS to ensure that homes for the handicapped are geographically "available throughout the State without unnecessary concentration." These living arrangements are established in N.J. S. A. 30:11B-1 et.seq. Stringent standards for opening, licensing and operating a community residence are delineated in N.J.A.C. 10:44A.

1-877-DHS-LINE (1-877-347-5463)