Aging in Place Pilot

The Aging in Place Pilot is a funding opportunity issued by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), a state agency responsible for overseeing mental health services and housing supports for individuals with serious mental illness across New York. Through this request for proposals, OMH seeks to expand supportive housing capacity for older adults and medically complex individuals by enhancing existing Community Residence Single Room Occupancy (CR-SRO) programs. The initiative reflects a broader policy priority to reduce unnecessary institutionalization and enable individuals to remain in community-based settings as they age. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund the development of five pilot programs statewide, each embedded within an existing CR-SRO program. These pilots are designed to serve individuals aged 55 and older, or those with significant medical needs, who require enhanced supports to maintain stable housing. Awardees must dedicate 20 to 25 units within their existing housing programs to this population and implement additional services that address aging-related risks such as cognitive decline, mobility limitations, and chronic health conditions. The program emphasizes preventing transitions to higher levels of care such as nursing homes or hospitals. Funding under this opportunity includes both capital and operating components. Each selected program may receive up to 2 million dollars in capital funding to support minor renovations and environmental modifications that improve accessibility and safety. In addition, enhanced annual operating funding is provided to support staffing and services, including a full-time registered nurse and additional staff such as home health aides or occupational therapists. These funds must be used exclusively for the approved pilot program and are subject to state budget approval. Capital funding is structured as interest-free financing that is repaid through a state-supported bond mechanism. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that currently operate an OMH-licensed CR-SRO program with at least 48 units. Applicants must be prequalified in the New York State Statewide Financial System (SFS) prior to submission. The application process requires submission through SFS and includes a proposal narrative, budget documentation, certifications, and proof of notification to local governmental units. Applicants must demonstrate experience in serving individuals with serious mental illness, the capacity to implement program enhancements, and the ability to complete any necessary building modifications. Applications are evaluated based on a 100-point scoring system that includes criteria such as population served, program enhancements, building modifications, agency performance, diversity and inclusion efforts, and financial assessment. A minimum score of 70 is required for consideration. Awards are distributed regionally, with one program selected per OMH region, and final selections are subject to approval by state oversight entities. The contract term for awarded projects is five years, during which providers must meet reporting, quality assurance, and collaboration requirements. The timeline for this opportunity includes a release date in December, a question period in early January, and a proposal submission deadline in mid-February. Awards are anticipated in late March, with contracts beginning in July. Applicants are required to submit all materials before the deadline through SFS, and late submissions are not accepted. The program does not indicate a recurring cycle, suggesting it is a one-time pilot initiative. For inquiries, applicants must contact the designated issuing officer via the official OMH procurement email.

Begin in SFS 5+ days early. Submit 48+ hours before deadline. Follow naming rules strictly. Combine proposal files into one PDF.