Governor Hochul Announces Availability of $16 Million to Develop Supportive Housing

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of up to $16 million in annual state funding to operate scattered-site housing with support services for people who are experiencing homelessness on the street and in the subway system in New York City. Administered by the state Office of Mental Health, the funding will help develop 500 additional units of supportive housing, which will then take referrals from the city's Safe Options Support teams.

"Now more than ever, we need to invest in our mental health care system and boost treatment services for New Yorkers who lack stable housing," Governor Hochul said. "These units will provide both a safe home for unhoused New Yorkers as well as supportive services, ensuring the most vulnerable among us have the resources needed to bring stability to their lives."

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Individuals living with mental illness, like all of us, need a safe place to live in a supportive environment. These supportive housing units will provide that safe environment and the services needed for each person to move forward in their recovery. Housing in the community is critical to enable someone living with mental illness to live a full and productive life."

Scattered-site supportive housing is integrated housing that consists of apartments located in multiple buildings throughout the community, with each connected to community-based support services based on the needs of the resident. The goal is to place unhoused individuals into a setting where they can live in an independent setting and fully integrate into their communities. The funding is provided by Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).

The scattered site units will complement the work underway by the Safe Options Support teams, which work with individuals who have a history of mental illness and/or substance use disorder. These multidisciplinary teams have enrolled 554 unhoused people into Critical Time Intervention services, placing 176 of them into temporary housing. Housing staff will encourage and assist residents to develop community supports, use community resources, and pursue an individualized path towards recovery.

Applicants must develop at least 15 units and may apply for funding to operate up to 60 units. The request for proposals sets a Jan. 30 deadline for submissions.