Housing First Scattered Site Supportive Housing

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has released a Request for Proposals for the Housing First Scattered Site Supportive Housing for Homeless Adults in the New York City region under identifier OMH152. OMH is a state-level agency tasked with improving access to community-based mental health and housing supports for vulnerable populations. This funding opportunity seeks to create and operate up to 200 supportive housing units across the five counties of New York City: Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond, and Queens. The grant reflects OMH’s broader mission to reduce homelessness by expanding access to stable housing with integrated supportive services. The purpose of this RFP is to establish Housing First scattered-site supportive housing that emphasizes low-barrier admissions and rapid placement into permanent housing. Eligible participants are adults currently experiencing homelessness who may be living in shelters, on the streets, or in places not meant for habitation. Many will have complex needs, including mental health diagnoses, substance use disorders, physical health concerns, or a combination thereof. While diagnostic criteria are not required for program entry, referrals will be made through Safe Options Support teams, Intensive Mobile Treatment teams, or Shelter Partnered Assertive Community Treatment teams. Individuals with Assisted Outpatient Treatment orders must receive priority access. Each county program may apply for up to 40 units, with applicants required to submit a separate proposal for each county. OMH encourages clustering some units around a hub for community support but provides no capital funding for acquisitions or renovations. The funding provided covers operating costs for supportive housing units, which include rent stipends, housing case management, and other eligible costs. Residents contribute 30 percent of their net income toward rent and utilities. At present, OMH provides an annual stipend of $35,554 per bed, plus an additional $2,057 per unit to cover resident rent or emergency expenses when benefits are not yet in place. Providers are expected to maintain low staff-to-resident ratios (1:15) and ensure furnished apartments are ready for immediate move-in. Additional requirements include staffing for evenings and weekends, employing peer support workers, and maintaining partnerships with service providers for integrated health, employment, and peer supports. Providers must also adhere to OMH’s Supportive Housing Guidelines, including case documentation, quarterly support plan reviews, and compliance with monitoring visits. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) incorporation that have demonstrated experience in providing mental health services to persons with serious mental illness. Applicants must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) prior to submission. No applications by mail, email, or hand delivery are permitted; submissions must be made online through the SFS portal. Required documentation includes a completed proposal template, budget template (in Excel), provider contact form, sexual harassment prevention certification, and proof of notification to Local Government Units in the counties of application. The budget template and all attachments must adhere strictly to SFS formatting guidelines. The application timeline begins with the RFP release on August 27, 2025. Questions are due by September 16, 2025, with answers posted on October 2, 2025. Full proposals must be submitted by October 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST. Award notifications are anticipated on November 25, 2025, with contracts beginning on July 1, 2026. Contracts will run for five years, with quarterly advances made for operating funds. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale, considering notification of LGUs, proposed population strategies, agency performance, equity commitments, and financial assessment. Agencies must score at least 70 points to be considered for award. Initial allocations will distribute 40 units per county, with the highest scoring proposals in each borough receiving awards. Units not awarded in a first round may be reallocated, with caps set at 80 units per county and 60 units per awardee. The Issuing Officer for this procurement is Jerry Witkop of OMH Contracts and Claims, located at 44 Holland Avenue, 7th Floor, Albany, NY 12229. Questions and clarifications must be submitted in writing to OMHLocalProcurement@omh.ny.gov. Successful applicants will enter into five-year contracts with OMH subject to review and approval by the Attorney General and State Comptroller. This opportunity provides a critical investment in housing stability for homeless adults in New York City while promoting Housing First principles of rapid, low-barrier housing placement with integrated supports.

Begin SFS application 5 days early; submit 48 hours before deadline; prequalify promptly to avoid disqualification