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Description of Housing Programs

SPOA for Housing

Descriptions of Housing Programs

Non-Licensed Housing

Supportive Housing Programs (SHP) – these programs operate scattered- site apartments selected by and leased by the consumers themselves. The supportive housing programs provide rental payment assistance and supportive services. Staff provide services designed to assist consumers to obtain or refine skills necessary for more independent living and increased self-sufficiency. Staff generally meet with the consumer at minimum once a month depending on individual consumer needs.

Consumers are expected to develop individual goals which focus on living more independently. The typical length of stay is 3-4 years. Referrals are coordinated through the Adult Single Point of Access. New York State Office of Mental Health-funded supportive housing programs require verification of significant impairment in functioning due to a mental disability. HUD-funded permanent supportive housing programs also require verification of homelessness at the time of admission. HUD defines homelessness as being in a place not meant for human habitation, in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program exclusively intended for people who are homeless, or fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking. Demand for these programs typically exceeds the availability of open beds; referrals are placed on a wait list prioritized by a risk score auto-generated by the circumstances entered into the SPOA referral. The Erie County Housing Coordinator and Assistant Housing Coordinator facilitates this process.

The Supportive Housing Program providers include Transitional Services, Inc.; Living Opportunities of DePaul; BestSelf Behavioral Health; Spectrum Human Services; Southern Tier Environments for Living; Recovery Options Made Easy; Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers; Restoration Society, Inc; and the WNY Veteran Housing Coalition.

Critical Time Intervention (CTI) – These are goal-oriented case management programs that support the transition into housing out of an institutional setting such as a hospital, prison, jail, substance abuse treatment facility, or homeless shelter. It offers one month of financial assistance towards the cost of housing. The following months are focused on helping participants build their support system and accomplish person-centered goals. It is a six-month program for people who experienced homelessness and are transitioning from an institution and a twelve-month program for those who are transitioning from a substance abuse treatment facility.

Restoration Society, Inc. facilitates the CTI program for homeless individuals and BestSelf Behavioral Health operates the CTI program for people transitioning from substance abuse treatment facilities.

Emergency Housing Services (EHS) – This is a ten-bed setting for people with serious mental illness who are also experiencing homelessness. Services are focused on transitioning people who are experiencing homelessness to permanent housing.

Substance Use Disorder Transitional Housing Program – (SUD Transitional) is a pilot program which offers 1 year or less of rental assistance and goal-focused case management to support sobriety where housing instability has otherwise compromised obtaining that goal.

Licensed Housing

Supervised Community Residences - SCR are congregate care facilities (group homes) which house 8 to 24 residents 18 years of age or older. These Programs are considered transitional and rehabilitative in nature, as the resident's goal is to move to a less restrictive living environment within 24 months. Bedrooms are often shared but some programs have single bedrooms. Residents participate in the upkeep of the house which includes meal planning and preparation. Recreation activities are provided. Some group homes include an attached training apartment (TSI) for residents ready to test independent living skills. Staff is on site 24/7. SCR services are provided by The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, DePaul Community Services, Southern Tier Environments for Living, and Transitional Services, Inc.

Supervised Senior Community Residences - SSCR operate the same as Supervised Community Residences but are for consumers who are 55 years of age or older.

Residences are encouraged to identify independent living goals but there is less emphasis placed on moving to an apartment. SSCR are provided by Greenwood Residences (all single bedrooms), Southern Tier Living Environments and Transitional Services, Inc.

Treatment/Supervised Apartments - TSA provide transitional housing in shared one, two and three bedroom apartments in the community. The apartments are either located at a single site which has staff on site 24/7 or scattered site apartments which staff visit from 3 to 7 days each week and are on call for emergencies 24/7. Staff provide services designed to assist residents obtain or refine skills necessary for independent living.

Cash allowances for groceries and clothing are provided by some programs. Residents are expected to develop individual goals which focus on living more independently. The typical length of stay is 18 to 24 months. TSA housing services are provided by The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, DePaul Community Services, and Transitional Services, Inc.

MICA Housing - MICA – are Group Home and Treatment Apartment Programs capable of providing specialized staffing and services for consumers who are diagnosed with an addictions disorder as well as a psychiatric disability. MICA Group Homes are operated by Transitional Services, Inc. Transitional Services, Inc. also operates a 10 bed supervised apartment program for MICA. Single bedrooms are available.

Young Adult Housing - YAH is a group home and supported housing program providing specialized services for individuals 18 to 21 years of age who are transitioning from Residential Treatment Facilities or congregate living environments for adolescents. Services are similar to other group settings. There is staffing capacity to provide more intensive services for individuals participating in the supported housing component of the program. YAH services are provided by Transitional Services, Inc.

Single Room Occupancy - SRO's provide housing that is specifically designed to offer permanent housing in a service-enriched setting. These programs are intended to provide housing and services for individuals capable of living independently. A social service team provides services on-site which includes case management, interactive groups, activities, medication management, money management and vocational linkage.

State Operated Licensed Housing (non-SPOA) - Learn about State Operated Licensed Housing (non-SPOA)

Residential Care Centers for Adults - RCCA offers congregate care support transitional facilities . While it is anticipated that, over time, residents will move to more independent housing, there is no set time for completing the program. RCCA's are designed to work with individuals who need more focused ADL skills training and other rehabilitative services. Staff is on site 24/7, and nursing staff is available 5 days a week. The RCCA is operated by BPC.

State Operated Community Residences - SOCR are congregate care facilities (group homes) which house 8 to 24 residents 18 years of age or older. These Programs are considered transitional and rehabilitative in nature, as the resident's goal is to move to a less restrictive living environment within 24 months. Bedrooms are often shared but some programs have single bedrooms. Residents participate in the upkeep of the house which includes meal planning and preparation. Recreation activities are provided. SOCR is operated by BPC

Family Care - FC provides housing for up to four adults with an unrelated family in the community. Providers offer support, furnished rooms, meals, companionship and security. The host family also provides 24-hour supervision, laundry, housekeeping and medication management services. The Family Care Program is operated by BPC.