On August 2nd, New York State released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sixth round of funding for supportive housing units under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI). As part of the State’s $20 billion housing plan to ensure that New Yorkers have access to affordable and safe housing, this RFP contributes to the goal of developing at least 20,000 supportive housing units over 15 years for individuals identified as homeless with special needs, conditions, or other life challenges.
This RFP will provide up to $35 million in service and operating funding for 1,400 units of permanent supportive housing. Support services that accompany the housing units may include, but are not limited to, employment and training opportunities, parenting education, primary and mental health care, and child care. No capital funding is available through this RFP. Applicants are expected to secure capital funding sufficient to fully finance the proposed housing project within 24 months from the date of the ESSHI conditional funding award. Eligible applicants are not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agencies with relevant experience serving the target population.
Our summary can be found here, and the full RFP is available here. Applications are due on October 6th. There will be a webinar on August 16th at 1pm that will provide an overview of the RFP components. The webinar may be accessed here and a recording will also be available on the OMH website.