SCAP Supportive Housing Solutions Program - The Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) will operate a Supportive Housing Solutions Program (SHS) for homeless families in Schenectady County in New York State’s Capital Region, in which one or more member is experiencing a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or co-occurring disorder. Service components will include assessment and screening, treatment and recovery support, case management, access to mainstream benefits, permanent housing and peer mentor support. The primary area of focus will be the City of Schenectady, where most homeless persons are found. The need for the proposed project is evident. Last year, 357 of 3,816 households served by SCAP were homeless, with an additional 731 classified as having “other” living arrangements (i.e. institutional settings, jail/prison, moving between family and friends). 95% of households served had incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. Approximately half of SCAP’s Housing & Community Services customers face mental and/or behavioral health issues.
During the five year project period, SCAP will reach 175 individuals in at least 125 households annually through intensive outreach efforts, for a total of 875 individuals in 625 households over the project period. 84 individuals in an estimated 60 households will be enrolled in the program each year, totaling 420 individuals in 300 households over the project period. SCAP will utilize three compatible evidence-based practices to provide supportive services: Family Development, SOAR and Housing First. Ellis Medicine, SCAP’s primary treatment partner, will use multiple evidence-based practices for treatment services. Project goals include:
Goal 1: Increased capacity to engage and provide integrated treatment and recovery support services for the population of focus: homeless families/households experiencing a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance or co-occurring disorder.
Goal 2: Increased resources for the population of focus, through access to Medicaid and other mainstream benefit programs.
Goal 3: Increased ability of the target population to obtain and remain in permanent housing.
Goal 4: Improved capacity of the community to coordinate housing, treatment and recovery support for the population of focus.
The following project partners have committed to assistance with implementation activities:
* Primary Treatment Provider: Ellis Medicine
* Housing Partners: Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority, The Community Builders, DePaul Properties, and Community Land Trust of Schenectady
* Additional Service Providers: Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, New Choices, Schenectady County Department of Social Services, and Schenectady County Office of Community Services (local health agency overseeing services for individuals and families with mental illness, substance abuse disorders and developmental disabilities)
