Supportive Housing - HRA

Human Resources Administration

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Supportive Housing

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Supportive Housing


Supportive and Affordable Housing and Services

The Office of Supportive and Affordable Housing and Services (OSAHS) is focused on developing permanent housing solutions for formerly homeless individuals and families. OSAHS works closely with other divisions of HRA and with other governmental and non-governmental service providers to develop new housing programs and to refer applicants to housing so the people we serve can achieve their maximum functional capacity in a safe supportive environment. OSAHS is the coordinating entity for Mayor de Blasio’s New York City 15/15 Supportive Housing initiative, working closely with DOHMH and HPD.

What is Supportive Housing?

Supportive housing is affordable housing with supportive social services in place for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Resources on this page are targeted for clients, service professionals, and others who are navigating the supportive housing process as well as developers and nonprofit providers interested in building or managing supportive housing.

I am looking for Supportive Housing
I am a Non-Profit Service Provider
I am a Housing Developer

I do not need supportive housing, but I am looking for other affordable housing resources.

Guidance Documents for Supportive Housing Providers and Property Managers

Below are guidance documents jointly issued by HRA, DoHMH, and HPD. These documents clarify the City’s expectations for processes and polices related to referral, intake, and admission to City-funded supportive housing projects.

2024 Cover Letter for Supportive Housing Standard Application for Leasing

2024 Supportive Housing Standard Application for Leasing Form

2023 NYC Consolidated Supportive Housing Placement Guidance

2023 Memorandum on Low Barrier Admissions

Supportive Programs Document Tool

Supportive Housing Models

Supportive housing typically comes in two setting model types: congregate (the only one developers work with) and scattered-site.

Congregate Housing

All in one building where each tenant has his/her own individual room or apartment. Tenants have their own lease and pay rent directly to the landlord. These buildings typically have a rental subsidy connected to the apartment that allows the rent to be very affordable for the tenant. Tenants are responsible to contribute 30% of their income towards rent and utilities. Social services staff are on-site and provide personalized support plans to each household. These on-site teams also develop social and educational opportunities for the whole building, and often include tenants in the on-going development of programs.

Buildings are typically developed so that 60% of the building is for tenants eligible for supportive housing and 40% for community tenants. Capital financing for buildings may be coordinated through a variety of City, State and Federal resources. Social services are funded through competitive City or State RFPs.

Scattered-Site Housing

Apartments scattered throughout the city in different buildings owned by private landlords. Non-profit providers hold contracts with government agencies to secure safe affordable units for tenants to move into and to also provide the social services support needed by tenants.

Leases are most often between the landlord and non-profit provider. All tenants have a sub-lease and are responsible to contribute 30% of their income towards the rent and utilities. A subsidy managed by the non-profit provider is connected to each rented apartment so that the unit is affordable for the tenant. Social services staff are available 24-7, visit tenants in the apartments and are also available in offices that are conveniently located. Scattered-site contracts are funded by City or State agencies.

Other Information

NYC 15/15 Initiative

Supportive Housing Initiatives & Populations Served

Affordable Housing Resources

Supportive Housing Tenant’s Notice of Rights (English)

Supportive Housing Tenant’s Notice of Rights (Spanish)