The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is committed to investing in community-based housing that will support individuals currently experiencing homelessness. Based on the need for additional supportive, scattered site housing opportunities to support this mission, NYS OMH is announcing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development and operation of up to 200 units of Housing First Supportive Housing serving individuals currently experiencing homelessness, in the New York City (NYC) Region, who may be residing in a NYC shelter, on the streets or somewhere not meant for human habitation (homeless). The individuals may have a mental illness diagnosis, a substance use disorder, physical health care needs, or a combination of all three. Mental health or other diagnostic criteria are not required to access housing through this initiative. Programs will be expected to adhere to an expedited referral process which aligns with Housing First principles. This process will screen applicants in rather than screening them out. Agencies will be expected to maintain low barrier admissions policies that promote a rapid transition from homelessness to housing.
