Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#103)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) funds support the creation and preservation of affordable, supportive housing units for New Yorkers. Expanding ESSHI or similar programs to include rent and services subsidies for older adults in existing housing projects would help serve unhoused, at-risk, and older adults with disabilities.
Justification
Including rent and services subsidies for older adults would provide essential stability to vulnerable populations, reducing homelessness and housing insecurity. By targeting existing housing units, this approach maximizes resources and provides a direct benefit to those in need of supportive services without the time delay of new construction.
Justification
Including rent and services subsidies for older adults would provide essential stability to vulnerable populations, reducing homelessness and housing insecurity. By targeting existing housing units, this approach maximizes resources and provides a direct benefit to those in need of supportive services without the time delay of new construction.
Full Proposal
ESSHI funds create and preserve affordable and supportive housing units for New Yorkers. Expand ESSHI and/or companion programs to provide a rent and services subsidy option for older adults in existing housing projects:
- Include existing housing units for unhoused, at-risk, and older adults with disabilities.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the legislative session and the annual budget process, as implementation may require legislative action and would be subject to the availability of resources. Implementation could include the development of a sister program similar to ESSHI, or the expansion of the eligibility requirements for that program, to focus on older adults. Proposed metrics for evaluating implementation success could include rate of accessible supportive housing options and services subsidies to older New Yorkers.