Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday unveiled an $85 million initiative to help adults living with co-occurring mental illness and intellectual or developmental disabilities transition from inpatient care to independent living.
The funding, administered by the State Office of Mental Health, will support the development of enhanced "step-down" programs over the next five years, aiming to provide crucial housing and support services to individuals as they reintegrate into their communities, according to a press release.
“Far too often, New Yorkers living with mental illness and co-occurring disabilities lack the necessary support to successfully transition back to independent living,” Hochul said. “This funding will help develop appropriate housing for these individuals and pair them with a team that can provide them the support they can rely on to remain in an independent setting within their community.”
The funding will allow service providers to create programs that combine critical time intervention teams with transitional housing. These efforts are designed to help individuals discharged from hospitals or inpatient settings regain stability and thrive in the community.
Five organizations across New York will receive funding for these programs, with New York City and Long Island providers allocated $2.1 million in operating funds and $652,216 in state aid annually. In New York City, the nonprofit AHRC NYC was awarded the funds.
Additionally, OMH will award $10 million in capital funding to help build residential spaces for these programs. The specific amounts will be determined as each project progresses.
