Program Overview
Community, Resilience, Empowerment, Access, Transformation, and Equity (C.R.E.A.T.E.) Supportive Housing at Housing Solutions of New York provides permanent, affordable housing paired with hands-on support for individuals who need ongoing assistance to remain stable and independent. The values that C.R.E.A.T.E. stand for guide every aspect of the program.
Stable housing is often the first and most critical step toward stability. C.R.E.A.T.E. allows clients to live in their own apartments while receiving individualized support from dedicated case managers. This model promotes independence while ensuring support is available when needed, helping tenants focus on health, well-being, and long-term stability.
Participation in the program is voluntary and rooted in choice, respect, and person-centered care.
Who We Serve
C.R.E.A.T.E. serves individuals and families who have experienced homelessness and who may be living with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, HIV/AIDS, or other medical vulnerabilities. Many of these clients are medically fragile and/or lack traditional support systems marking their greater need for stability.
The program supports tenants with varying levels of need, prioritizing dignity, autonomy, and individualized pathways to stability within the community.
Services & Support
C.R.E.A.T.E. uses a scattered-site supportive housing model, providing permanent, affordable housing units located throughout the community rather than in a single building. This approach supports community integration while offering consistent, individualized services.
Services include:
-
Case management and ongoing tenant support
-
Housing retention and eviction prevention
-
Crisis intervention and counseling
-
Peer support and harm reduction services
-
Financial literacy, budgeting, and money management support
-
Independent living and housekeeping skills development
-
Support with accessing and maintaining public benefits
-
Coordination with medical, mental health, and substance use providers
-
Assistance with job training and vocational referrals
-
Culturally responsive and LGBTQIA-affirming services
Staff meet with tenants regularly, typically at least once per week, to provide support, monitor progress, and address emerging needs.
Impact & Benefits
Participation in C.R.E.A.T.E. Supportive Housing provides long-term housing stability while preserving independence. Tenants benefit from the security of permanent housing combined with flexible, responsive support that adapts to their needs over time.
This program strengthens clients' health outcomes and helps them integrate with their community, reducing their risk of returning to homelessness. By addressing housing, health, and life skills, C.R.E.A.T.E. supports personal growth, self-sufficiency, and lasting stability.
For many clients, supportive housing represents a turning point by offering both a home and the tools needed to maintain it.
Referrals & Eligibility
Clients are referred to C.R.E.A.T.E. Supportive Housing through city agencies, healthcare providers, community partners, and HSNY programs. Eligibility is determined based on housing needs, program criteria, and funding requirements.
Participation includes agreed-upon expectations, such as engagement with case management and program activities, to support successful tenancy and long-term stability.
All agreed upon program activities, including case management engagement, secure long-term stability through successful tenancy.