Topeka Housing Project Supports Residents with Mental Illness

The Tanglewood housing initiative provides stable living and case management to individuals with history of homelessness.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Autism

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a simple, welcoming residential apartment facade and green space, symbolizing supportive housing for those in need. — The Community Action Agency of Topeka's Tanglewood initiative provides long-term housing and integrated support services for residents recovering from chronic homelessness. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe local social service agencies effectively support residents experiencing homelessness and mental illness?

The Community Action Agency of Topeka operates the Tanglewood housing project to provide affordable, long-term living for individuals with severe mental illness and a history of homelessness. Through a partnership with Astra, the program offers consistent on-site case management for residents.

Why it matters

By providing stable, long-term housing paired with professional support, the project aims to significantly improve the well-being and stability of residents who have historically struggled with homelessness.

The Community Action Agency of Topeka currently serves 14 residents at Tanglewood, most of whom have lived in the units for 10 or more years. The agency oversees service areas across 12 Kansas counties and completes formal needs assessments every 3 years.

The players

Community Action Agency of Topeka

This regional organization manages a variety of social programs across 12 Kansas counties to assist vulnerable populations.

Astra

Astra is a partner organization that provides specialized on-site case management services to residents of the Tanglewood facility.

City of Topeka

The local municipal government partners with the agency to facilitate the operation of affordable housing initiatives in the area.

The details

Tanglewood functions as a cornerstone of the agency's strategy, with the City of Topeka and Astra providing essential resources to support the site. When direct services are beyond the agency's internal capacity, they facilitate connections to external community resources for tenants.

The agency conducts a needs assessment every three years.
Most current residents have lived at Tanglewood for 10 or more years.

Health Landscape

The Tanglewood housing model follows the housing-first framework popularized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which prioritizes permanent shelter for those with severe mental illness. This approach represents a shift from temporary emergency care to long-term stability initiatives.

This program offers a model for community stability that allows residents to access consistent case management directly where they live. For the public, it highlights the integration of municipal and agency resources designed to provide long-term housing solutions.

The takeaway

Stable, long-term housing combined with dedicated case management is essential for supporting individuals with histories of mental illness and homelessness. Local community initiatives that prioritize multi-year support can provide a foundation for long-term resident well-being.