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The state of New York has a rich array of supportive housing options for individuals and families struggling with homelessness, substance abuse, mental health issues, and other challenges. These facilities not only provide the basics of shelter but also a range of support services designed to promote stability, independence, and health. Here's an overview of the options available and the funding sources that make them possible.
The Section 811 program provides housing for adults with disabilities who are at risk of institutionalization. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program allows participants to live as independently as possible in the community by offering rental assistance and supportive services. The New York State Department of Health oversees much of this programming in partnership with other state agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The PSH program in New York blends stable and affordable housing with supportive services for individuals and families facing chronic homelessness, often accompanied by other debilitating struggles such as mental illness or addiction. PSH is usually funded via a mixture of federal, state, and local funds, as well as private donations. The Continuum of Care (CoC) program funded by HUD is a cornerstone of this funding.
This federal program provides capital advances to private, non-profit sponsors to finance the construction, rehabilitation, or purchase of properties that will serve as supportive housing for very low-income elderly persons. It also ensures rent subsidies for the projects to help make them affordable.
This unique city-state partnership results in the creation of thousands of supportive housing units in New York City. The program started in 1990 when the city and state agreed to share the cost of creating new supportive housing units. Now in its third iteration (NY/NY III), the program offers over 15,000 units dedicated to formerly homeless individuals and families.
The MRT program leverages Medicaid dollars to fund housing and other social determinants of health for high-needs Medicaid recipients. New York State recognizes that stable and affordable housing can significantly contribute to improved health outcomes and, therefore, uses portions of its Medicaid budget to fund this program.
The RNAP is aimed at improving affordable and supportive housing in rural areas and among Native American communities. Some agencies that partner on this program include the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service (RHS) and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs.
These programs represent just some of the measures being taken to provide supportive housing in New York, demonstrating the state's comprehensive approach to tackling the challenge of homelessness and housing instability. For those in need of supportive housing, New York provides an array of options, thanks to both state and federal subsidies and the collaboration of non-private organizations.