Reminder: ESSHI RFP Deadline for Supportive Housing Funding Is July 15th
(July 1, 2025) The deadline to submit proposals for the ninth round of funding available through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) is 2 p.m. on July 15th.
The ESSHI program provides funding to operate permanent supportive housing units in an integrated setting with access to and availability of various supports for eligible individuals who are homeless, formerly homeless, or unstably housed and have special needs, conditions, or other life challenges – including older adults aged 55+ who have been identified as having an unmet housing need, are enrolled in Medicaid, and have either a chronic condition or physical disability.
A webinar presented by the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) on June 10th provides an overview of the Request for Proposals (RFP) components and additional background on the program. The webinar and questions and answers on this RFP can be found on OMH’s website.
Notably, service and operating award limits have been increased to up to $34,000 annually for each qualifying individual in projects sited in the NYC metro area and up to $31,000 annually for each qualifying individual in projects sited in the rest of the state. No capital funding is available through this RFP; final awards for operating funding under the ESSHI RFP are made based on the applicant’s ability to otherwise secure capital financing to complete the housing development. Conditional awardees will tentatively be notified on Sept. 4th.
Given the unique needs of older adults served by these programs, evolving regulatory requirements, and the increasing number of LeadingAge NY member organizations exploring and participating in the supportive housing model, LeadingAge NY Housing Cabinet members identified the need for a dedicated space to share questions, concerns, and resources with likeminded peers and created a new, member-driven Supportive Senior Housing Workgroup in 2024. Workgroup meetings are typically held monthly, and participation is open to all members, regardless of Cabinet membership. Contact Annalyse K. Denio to join.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866