February 6, 2025
The Boost News
If you’re looking for housing for an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), you know demand far outweighs supply. You’ve also likely hit dead ends and/or don’t know where to go for help.
In New York, one place to turn is to the newly redesigned New York Housing Resource Center website from the non-profit New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation (NY Alliance). This thorough, easy-to-follow resource offers important housing-related topics for people with I/DD with a focus on non-certified housing.
Short, easy-to-follow videos and podcasts cover topics ranging from Housing Types and Funding to Living in Your Own Place, which includes interviews on being a good neighbor, and how to deal with general repairs and maintenance.
Certified or Non-Certified?
The Boost will start off your non-certified housing journey with one of the first questions people have when searching for a home for a loved one: The difference between certified and non-certified housing. You can access short video explainers on the site, but here’s a summary:
- Certified housing: Either supervised (live-in care) or “supportive,” include group homes funded through New York’s Medicaid Waiver and provided by the state or nonprofit agencies. Opportunities are limited and the waitlist is long.
- Non-certified housing: This is what exists beyond traditional OPWDD certified settings. People can live alone, share a home, have roommates who do not have IDD, etc. To drill down:
- Non-certified housing uses Self Directed Services (SD) funding and other sources of funds
- Most people living in a non-certified home who are receiving OPWDD waiver services in addition to the rental subsidy will be receiving Care Coordination from a Care Coordination Organization (CCO).
- People living in non-Certified housing typically (but not always) have individual budgets that provide for residential support through the Housing Subsidy, and may also provide for staffing through CommHab. Staff are paid through the Medicaid Waiver funding model,
NYHRC Newsletter
If you’re interested in staying on top of NYHRC news, sign up for its newsletter. You’ll find the link to do so at the bottom of the homepage.
Bonus!: Affordable Housing Opportunities
Here are some housing opportunities shared with NYHRC. The organization does not put them on its website. The below are currently available.
Note: If you have an affordable housing opportunity to share please send the information to Carol Napierski, vp, Program Development and Grant Management, New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation (NY Alliance) and a co-director of the Housing Resource Center, at cnapierski@nyalliance.org and it will be added to their list.
Rochester – Eastman Reserve:
The Eastman Reserve, located in Rochester, N.Y., has immediate availability for a 2-bedroom unit designed specifically for individuals with visual or hearing impairments. Applications can be submitted online at www.eastmanreserve.com.
For questions contact (585) 340-6731.
Endicott – Endicott Square:
Endicott Square in Endicott, N.Y., has affordable apartments for Central and Southern Tier New York. It currently has two vacancies that offer accessibility features. They are both 1 bedroom apartments; one (1) is mobility accessible and one (1) has sight and hearing accommodations.
Contact Tammy in the leasing office at 607-757-2549, email tkistner@housingvisions.org, or fill out an application online.
Moreau – Sisson Reserve:
PathStone Management Corporation has an immediate availability of a 3-bedroom townhome apartment at Sisson Reserve Apartments Phase II in the Town of Moreau, N.Y., specifically designed for individuals with physical impairments. This affordable housing development caters to low-income families and individuals with disabilities or special needs. They offer spacious 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units.
To apply, visit www.sissonreserveapts.org. Questions, contact (518) 480-4416.
Lockport – Lockport Canal Homes:
Lockport Canal Homes in Lockport N.Y. (Western New York) has affordable housing apartments. It currently has a vacancy in an accessible 3-bedroom apartment with hearing/vision accessibility features.
Either fill out the application at this link, call Kim in the leasing office at 716-280-3613.