State Issues ESSHI Round 8 RFP

The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the eighth round of funding available through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).

The ESSHI program was designed to create permanent, independent, affordable housing units paired with wraparound supportive services for individuals who are homeless, formerly homeless, or unstably housed and have special needs, conditions, or other life challenges. While the RFP was issued by OMH, the ESSHI program is an interagency effort, and proposals do not have to be for individuals with mental illness. Eligible target populations for this round of funding may include seniors aged 55 and older who have been identified as having an unmet housing need, are enrolled in Medicaid, and have either a chronic condition or physical disability.

Funding awarded through this RFP will benefit 1,400 qualifying individuals by providing the funding to operate permanent supportive housing units in an integrated setting with access to and availability of various supports such as trauma-informed services, independent living skills training, counseling, substance use disorder treatment and mental health care, and benefits advocacy. 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.

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, 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 earlier this year. Workgroup meetings are typically held monthly, and participation is open to all members, regardless of Cabinet membership. Contact Annalyse K. Denio (akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org) to join.

Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866