For Seniors
All residents of our Section 202 senior housing developments have a designated, on-site Service Coordinator, who works to ensure seniors have access to services that allow them to live with dignity and as independently as possible. Service Coordinators provide light touch social services, including regular engagement to prevent isolation through home visits (called friendly visits) and phone calls (called telephone reassurance calls) in addition to open office hours.
Additionally, we provide more intensive case management and supportive programming for seniors with a history of homelessness or housing instability through the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) This program marries social services with social and recreational programming targeting the most pressing physical and mental health and cognitive issues facing our seniors.
Recreational and educational programming includes:
- Arts instruction
- Basic computer classes
- Yoga instruction and dance classes
- English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) classes
All services are provided by culturally competent staff and in several languages to meet the linguistic needs of our seniors. RiseBoro has had much success in ensuring tenants are connected to the services that allow them to safely age in place, thrive as active members of their communities, and avoid institutionalization.
For Families
Through our New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) Families program, we provide supportive services to formerly homeless families and veterans that reside throughout RiseBoro’s housing portfolio. Through a holistic approach to service delivery, we work with families on individualized plans that look at the “whole picture.” We connect families to the wrap-around services available at RiseBoro to support them as they get back on their feet.
Like our Senior Supportive Housing programming, we provide regular engagement through home visits, phone calls, and open office hours. Service Coordinators work hours outside of the standard business day in order to meet the work and school schedules of those we serve.
In addition to the direct services provided by program staff, we provide access to computer classes as well as workshops and presentations. Presentations include, but are not limited to parenting classes, health, safety and nutrition awareness, money management, and tenant’s rights and responsibilities.
Services are aimed at maintaining housing stability, preventing eviction and shelter re-entry, moving towards self-sufficiency, and unleashing their potential to thrive, no matter the odds.
Shelter to Housing
RiseBoro’s Shelter to Housing program, called Master Lease, provides support for residents as they transition from shelters to community affordable housing.
Services include:
- Intensive individualized case management
- In-depth needs assessment and service planning
- Benefit entitlement advocacy and renewals support
- Crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mediation
- Mental health and wellness referrals
- Healthcare planning and medical and mental health referrals as needed
- Escorts to appointments as needed
- Supportive counseling
- Recreational activities
