The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is seeking proposals from qualified not-for-profit organizations to develop and operate a nine-unit Short-Term Transitional Residence (STTR) in Kings County. This initiative targets street homeless adults, offering them supportive housing in a safe, recovery-oriented setting. The program is designed for individuals who may have a mental illness, substance use disorder, physical health condition, or a combination of these. Participation in the program does not require a specific diagnosis, and referrals must come through designated outreach and support teams such as Safe Options Support (SOS), Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT), or Shelter Partnered Assertive Community Treatment (SPACT) teams.
The goal of the STTR program is to help individuals transition from homelessness to more independent housing within 60 days or less. The residence will provide temporary housing with support services and skill-building opportunities. Each unit must offer private or shared bedrooms (with no more than two people per room), and communal kitchen, dining, and living spaces. The program emphasizes a low-barrier, housing-first model that does not require sobriety and encourages rapid admission.
OMH will provide both capital and operational funding. Operating funding is set at $168,358 per unit per year, totaling $1,515,222 annually for the nine-unit program. Capital funding is available for acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of facilities, with further details and cost limits determined in collaboration with OMH post-award. Program Development Grant (PDG) funds will also be provided to support start-up activities.
To apply, agencies must be not-for-profit, possess 501(c)(3) status, and demonstrate experience operating a licensed mental health housing program. Applications must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Required components include an operating budget (Appendix B), a budget narrative (Appendix B1), and confirmation of prequalification in SFS. Applications will be evaluated on technical criteria including population served, program description, readiness, agency performance, diversity, financial assessment, and engagement with the Local Governmental Unit (LGU).
The RFP was released on November 20, 2025. Questions are due by December 18, 2025, with answers posted by January 8, 2026. Full proposals must be submitted by 2:00 PM EST on January 29, 2026. Award notifications are expected by February 26, 2026, and contracts will begin on July 1, 2026. Contracts are for a five-year term. The selected provider must ensure collaboration with referring entities and community-based services, provide a trained multidisciplinary staff team, and integrate peer support into program operations.
Submit early to avoid SFS upload issues; ensure all files are PDFs with correct naming; prequalify 5+ days before deadline; adhere strictly to response format.
