Press Releases

Options For Community Living Awarded Grant For New Supportive Housing Program

Options for Community Living, Inc. has been selected by the New York State Department of Health to implement a Supportive Housing Program for Long Islanders who are homeless and have chronic health conditions.  The award of $500,000 will enable Options to help homeless individuals and families access affordable housing in Nassau County with the assistance of rent subsidies.

“This program will help people experiencing homelessness due to persistent obstacles like serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or chronic medical conditions,” stated Yolanda Robano-Gross, executive director, Options for Community Living.  “When people have stable housing, they no longer need to prioritize finding a place to sleep each night and can better manage their health, make time for doctors’ appointments, and adhere to medical advice.”

Working with local Health Homes like Northwell Health and Hudson River HealthCare Community Care Collaborative, homeless individuals and families with high needs will be considered for the rental subsidy program. Once affordable rental housing is obtained, Options’ case managers work in coordination with Health Home care managers to provide additional support to ensure housing stability.

“Affordable supportive housing is simply the most humane and cost-effective solution to ending homelessness for vulnerable people,” stated Robano-Gross. “Options is eager to provide this new housing program for some of Long Island’s most needy residents.”