Guest Blog: Bring It Home Campaign Advocates for Mental Health Housing Evaluation Commission
07.25.2019
By Toni Lasicki, Executive Director of Association for Community Living
This year’s final state budget, passed in April, included a small amount of funding for Office of Mental Health (OMH) housing rate increases and rehab and renovation of existing housing stock. While appreciated, we know it is not nearly enough to address years of disinvestment of the system, which needs a much larger infusion of resources to remain viable.
Therefore, at the end of the 2019 Legislative Session in June, the Assembly and Senate unanimously passed the “Mental Health Housing Commission Bill” (S5637/A7489) to create a temporary Office of Mental Health Housing Program Evaluation Commission. This commission would make determinations and recommendations regarding OMH mental health housing on the adequacy of funding levels, numbers of direct care and professional staff, the level of programmatic needs of the residents, and the ability of the programs to meet such needs. These programs have not been evaluated, nor has the acuity of the clients in their care been evaluated, in more than 30 years.
Continue Reading …Steve Coe Departs From Community Access
07.22.2019
Supportive housing pioneer and Community Access CEO Steve Coe retired after four decades of leadership. He is succeeded by Cal Hedigan, who joined in 1999 and was previously Deputy CEO.
Steve’s vision for the organization earned him a reputation as an early innovator for mental health housing. He revolutionized public perceptions of people with mental health concerns with an approach that celebrated residents’ individual dignity and ability to determine their own life paths.
Continue Reading … | What's New, Member NewsGuest Blog: Nixon Peabody on Mod Rehab and Rental Assistance Demonstration
07.22.2019
By Deborah VanAmerongen and Nate Cushman
For owners of properties with Moderate Rehabilitation Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts, conversion through Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) is an underutilized opportunity. In New York City, the Mod Rehab contracts are administered by NYC Housing and Preservation Department (HPD). There are other local housing agencies throughout New York State that also administer these contracts. There have been significant changes to Mod Rehab conversions under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) RAD since the program was created, and if you have not reviewed your RAD options lately, it may be time to revisit them. There may be an opportunity to increase the property’s cash flow, revitalize its physical condition, and even take out funds to serve your organization’s mission.
This high-level view will detail the advantages of the RAD conversion process and key points to bear in mind as you consider your transaction. Of course, the details of each transaction will affect what is possible for each property.
Continue Reading … | What's New, New York CityThe Network Submits Comment to HUD’s “Verification of Eligible Status” Proposal
07.19.2019
On July 8, 2019, on behalf of New York’s supportive housing community, the Network submitted comment to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) expressing strong opposition to the changes regarding “verification of eligible status,” published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2019. The Network’s letter outlined with specifics how the proposed rule “would only exacerbate the homelessness crisis plaguing the nation.”
A high-level view of its content is below.
Continue Reading … | What's New, FederalICL Breaks Ground for Supportive Housing in Downtown Brooklyn
07.02.2019
On the stormy afternoon of June 20th, Institute for Community Living (ICL) celebrated the launch of construction for a new affordable and supportive housing residence at 50 Nevins Street in downtown Brooklyn.
David Woodlock, President/CEO of ICL, spoke about how ICL’s work there would extend the site’s history of providing New Yorkers with homes, “grounded in dignity and respect.”
Continue Reading … | What's New, New York City, Member News, Groundbreakings19th Annual Supportive Housing Conference Draws Record Numbers for Learning and Networking
06.26.2019
The 2019 Annual New York State Supportive Housing Conference was an enormous success with over 1,800 registrants, 23 workshops in policy, finance, and social services, and an inspiring opening keynote.
Continue Reading … | What's New, New York State, New York City, Network EventsFY 2020 City Budget Highlights
06.26.2019
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Ahead of the July 1st start of the City’s Fiscal Year 2020, the Mayor and City Council reached a handshake deal on a budget of $92.8 billion on June 14th.
While there were some victories for housing and human services, the budget fails to provide funding for two critical priorities championed by the Network and our partners.
Continue Reading … | What's New, Funding, New York City2019 NYS Legislative Session Highlights
06.24.2019
There were a number of bills for which the Network was advocating and following at the end of this year’s legislative session including rent regulation, prevailing wage, and two Office of Mental Health housing bills.
Continue Reading … | What's New, New York StateNetwork Members Gather for Joint Con Edison and HPD Training
06.21.2019
On May 22nd, developers, architects, contractors, and other members of the affordable and supportive housing community gathered at Con Edison Headquarters to participate in a joint training with Con Edison and the Building and Land Development Services (BLDS) division of NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Continue Reading … | What's New, New York City, Network EventsSyracuse Gains 30 New Supportive Housing Units Through Catherine Street Apartments
06.21.2019
On May 22nd, an array of partners and supporters gathered in Syracuse to celebrate the opening of Catherine Street Apartments, a 50-unit building with 30 reserved for individuals with mental health disorders. The apartments were developed through a partnership between Network members Central New York Services, Inc. (CNYS) and CSD Housing, development consultants.
Continue Reading … | What's New, New York State, Member News, Openings