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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
Form S-8 No. 333-38595, Registration Statement Form S-3 No. 333-37737 and
related Prospectus, and Registration Statement Form S-8 No. 333-32907 of
Alternative Living Services, Inc. of our report dated February 10, 1997, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Sterling House Corporation
included in Amendment No. 1 to the Joint Proxy Statement of Alternative Living
Services, Inc. that is made a part of the Registration Statement and Prospectus
(Form S-4 No. 333-34851) of Alternative Living Services, Inc. for the
registration of shares of its common stock and which is incorporated by
reference in this Current Report (Form 8-K/A) pertaining to the merger between
Alternative Living Services, Inc. and Sterling House Corporation.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Wichita, Kansas
November 5, 1997