Email | Print

One of our readers posed the following question concerning supportive housing:
Hi, I am on SSI due to mental disability. I do live in NYCHA but the conditions there are deplorable. I want to apply for Supportive Housing but because I am stable, will that hold me back? I do currently suffer from depression, but have lived on my own always. Are there any organizations that can be of help to me?
The degree of psychiatric stability for an individual diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) is one of many areas of interest, both to the Human Resources Administration’s Customized Assistance Services (HRA-CAS) who determines what level or levels of housing you may be eligible for, as well as the specific housing programs to which you apply. Given that you are interested in a more independent type of supportive housing, having a recent track record of psychiatric stability is actually considered a desirable trait of a prospective applicant, assuming you meet the SPMI eligibility criteria.
The fact that you have been living on your own and have been able to maintain an apartment without supportive services will also be helpful in terms of applying for supportive housing, as this is also a desirable trait in a prospective applicant; this information should be included in the psychosocial summary that comprises a part of the application you will need to file to apply for supportive housing, called the HRA 2010e.
Another plus, based on the information you provided, is that you are presently receiving SSI; the fact that you presently have a documented source of reliable income will also be considered a plus to housing programs, and also should be mentioned in your housing packet. Given that you are not presently homeless, I would assume that you would likely not receive New York/New York I, II or III eligibility. Thus, you would likely receive what is commonly called ‘non-NY/NY approval’, or MH (‘mental health’) approval. If you are approved by HRA-CAS for supportive housing of any level and are determined to be NY/NY I, II and III ineligible, you may also choose to have your application submitted to the Single Point of Access (SPOA) for Housing program. For information about the SPOA, please call the CUCS Housing Resource Center, at (212) 801-3333.
In regards to your other question about what organizations might be available to help you, there are many different programs out there to assist individuals with a variety of needs. If you currently engaged in mental health treatment, I would ask your treatment provider if they are willing and able to file the HRA-2010e housing application on your behalf. It is important to note that as of July 1st, 2007, all housing applications must be submitted by agencies electronically; thus, I would ask your provider if they have been trained by and given access to the electronic application form. If they have not, your provider should call HRA-CAS directly at (212) 95-2900, and select option 4 from the automated menu in order to sign up for the next available training for the HRA 2010e.
If you have a case manager (an ICM or SCM, or an ACT Team) they may be able to file the HRA 2010e on your behalf. If you do not presently have a case manager, but feel a case manager may be helpful in linking you to supportive housing and other supportive services in the community, your current treatment provider should call the Single Point of Access for Case Management/ACT services, at (212) 801-3343.
If neither of these are appropriate options for you, you can call CUCS Housing Resource Center at (212) 801-3300, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and ask for a Housing Consultant. There may be some community-based programs in your borough that we can direct you to that may be of assistance.