The Mary Elizabeth Inn SHIA program provides 20 units of subsidized housing with support services through the State of California's Supportive Housing Initiative Act. This housing program is for women who are extremely low-income and have one or more of the five predetermined disabilities as defined by the Sate Department of Mental Health: mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, chronic health conditions, or developmental disabilities.

Along with rental subsidies, the SHIA program at the Mary Elizabeth Inn provides La Casa case management services and access to the community activity program for all SHIA residents.

The goal of this program is to provide safe and affordable housing in an environment of support with a focus on building community and individual self-help skills.

Funding for the SHIA program is provided by the California Department of Community Services and the San Francisco Human Services Agency.