Supported Housing Program

Mohawk Opportunities’ Supported Housing Program provides person-centered housing that emphasizes client choice and preference. Services provided are affordable housing and community- based support to individuals with a serious mental illness who have a continuing need for such services as they move forward on their journey towards living independently in the community.

The services offered by the program are less intense than those provided by the Certified Apartment Program. The services are designed to provide support and encouragement while reinforcing skills related to community living.

About the Program

The program utilizes scattered site rental units located in Schenectady County and has the capacity to serve 50 individuals at any given time. The level of service provided by staff varies according to the needs of each individual. A minimum of one face-to-face contact per month and one contact per quarter should occur in the apartment.

The Supported Housing Program staffing includes a Program Director, an Assistant Program Director, and two Housing Coordinators.

Mohawk Opportunities’ Enhanced Young Adult Supported Housing Program (EYAP) offers housing and individualized services for up to 25 young adults, ages 18 to 26, who are transitioning into adulthood, can maintain independent living, and have a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI).

Participants receive individualized, community‑based support from a dedicated team, and meet with participants in their apartments or within the community at least twice per week. All services are tailored to meet personal goals and needs. Supports may include assistance with obtaining employment, pursuing education, securing a driver’s license, managing finances, and maintaining safe and stable housing.

Each young adult will work with each member of the team, which consists of an Assistant Program Director, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialist, Case Manager, and a Peer Specialist. The team focuses on providing safe and stable housing while offering support to achieve educational and vocational goals. Key components of the program include:

· Scattered Site Apartments in Schenectady County

· Rental Subsidy: Young Adults pay 30 % of their monthly income towards the rent

· Leases and utilities are in the Young Adult’s name

· Visits Twice a Week with a Member of the Team

· Person-Centered Services focused on Educational and Vocational Training

· Rehabilitation and Tenancy Support Services

· Weekly Psychoeducational Groups Transitional Housing

· After Hours On-Call Support

Enhanced Young Adult Program

Requirements & Referrals

All referrals to both the EYAP and Supported Housing Program must be forwarded to and reviewed by the Schenectady County SPOA Coordinator. Once forwarded to the program by the SPOA Coordinator, all referrals are processed within 72 hours. Once received, all referrals are processed within 72 hours. To be eligible for admission to the Supported Housing Program, individuals must meet the following criteria:

· 18 years of age or older

· A primary diagnosis of a psychiatric illness

· Not currently assessed as being dangerous to self or others or otherwise in need of hospitalization

· In adequate health so as not to require skilled nursing care.

· Able to be medication independent

· A valid form of identification (ex: driver’s license, non-drivers ID)

· Voluntarily agree to comply with Mohawk Opportunities, Inc. Residency Agreement

· Must demonstrate a willingness to assist in securing necessary funds to cover the cost of care and services.

Participation in any of the Supportive Housing Programs is voluntary.

No person shall be excluded from admission to the program based on race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation or HIV status.