Stable housing is a critical first step before addressing mental and behavioral health challenges contributing to homelessness.
Our permanent supportive housing serves individuals who are chronically homeless, facing mental health or substance use issues, or at risk of losing their housing. VOA believes housing is a basic human right. Although the facilities are strictly drug free, people who relapse are not removed from their home as they work towards self-sufficiency. As long as residents do not inhibit progress of other tenants they can stay in their program.
Residents also work with case managers and 24-hour resident assistant staff to establish and achieve individual goals.
Case managers work to keep people on track by providing the following guidance based on the individual needs of the resident:
- Job readiness training and resume assistance
- Daily living skills such as cooking and hygiene
- Connection to mental health and addiction counseling in the community
- Family, life, and emotional coaching
- Transportation to appointments, grocery stores, and job fairs
VOA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Programs in Rochester include:
- Cooper Union (51 units)
- Pinnacle Heights (11 units)
- Foundation House (25 units)
VOA’s Permanent Supportive Housing Programs in Binghamton include:
- 29 studio apartments for homeless adults
- 13 private apartments at two locations for families experiencing homelessness. VOA staff assist with special needs services for children, mental and behavioral health treatment plans, early education access, housing assistance, and employment support.