Aging in Place Pilot - Western NY

The Aging in Place Pilot grant is offered by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) to support the development of a specialized housing-based care model for older adults with mental health needs in the Western New York region. OMH is a state agency responsible for overseeing mental health services and systems across New York, and this initiative reflects its commitment to improving community-based care options that reduce institutionalization. The program aims to enhance existing Community Residence Single Room Occupancy (CR-SRO) housing programs by integrating additional services that allow aging individuals with complex medical and behavioral health needs to remain in their current residences safely and with dignity. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish one pilot program within an existing CR-SRO that can deliver enhanced services to individuals aged 55 and older, or those with significant medical needs. The program is expected to dedicate 20 to 25 units within an existing facility to support residents who might otherwise require higher levels of care such as hospitalization or nursing home placement. The scope includes both service delivery enhancements and physical building modifications to reduce barriers to independent living, such as accessibility improvements. Funding for the pilot includes enhanced annual operating support as well as capital funding of up to 2 million dollars for renovations and environmental modifications. The operating funding is intended to support additional staffing and services, including a full-time registered nurse and other clinical or support personnel. Capital funding is structured as interest-free construction financing that must ultimately be repaid through a bond mechanism, with OMH covering the associated debt service. Funds must be used strictly for the approved pilot program and cannot be redirected to other programs under the same organization. Eligibility is limited to not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that are currently operating an OMH-licensed CR-SRO with at least 48 units. Applicants must also be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) and must submit proposals through this platform. The program targets agencies capable of delivering coordinated care that integrates housing, healthcare, and social services for aging populations. Collaboration with local government units is required, including notification of intent to apply, and applicants must demonstrate experience working with older adults and individuals with complex needs. The application process is entirely online through the SFS portal and requires submission of a proposal narrative, budget template, and supporting documentation. Applicants must adhere to strict formatting and submission requirements, including combining narrative documents into a single PDF and submitting budgets in Excel format. Required components include descriptions of program enhancements, building modifications, agency performance, and financial planning. Evaluation criteria are weighted across multiple categories including program design, building improvements, and financial feasibility, with a total possible score of 100 points Key dates for the funding opportunity include a release date of April 15, 2026, a deadline for questions on May 6, 2026, and a final proposal submission deadline of June 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Award notifications are anticipated by July 28, 2026, with contracts expected to begin on January 1, 2027. The awarded contract will span five years, during which the selected provider must meet reporting requirements, participate in a learning community, and maintain continuous quality improvement practices. The evaluation process involves both technical and financial assessments, with proposals required to meet a minimum score of 70 to be considered for funding. Only one award will be made in the Western New York region. The selected provider will be responsible for implementing enhanced services, coordinating care across systems, and ensuring that aging residents can remain in community-based housing. This pilot program is intended to serve as a model for future expansion of aging-in-place initiatives across the state.

Begin SFS prequalification early; submit before deadline to avoid technical issues; strictly follow formatting and attachment rules; ensure all required documents are included