Parent to Parent of New York State
A Family to Family Health Care Information & Education Center
Connecting and supporting families of individuals with special needs

Frequently Asked Housing Questions

1. If my son is on the NYS Cares waitlist will someone call us about a group home when he gets to the top of the list?
    

2. I have a family member with a developmental disability living with me. Are there any programs available to assist me in buying a home?
    

3. My daughter is 17, is this too soon to be thinking housing options for her?
    

4. I can’t imagine my son living independently.  Is it possible for him to live in his own apartment?
    

5. I have a housing question that is not on this list.

If my son is on the NYS Cares waitlist will someone call us about a group home when he gets to the top of the list?

No, the NYS cares waitlist is used to bring funding into the region for housing.  People don’t move up on the list.  If you are looking for agency housing, you’ll need to contact an agency yourself.  Your Medicaid Service Coordinator can help you.

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I have a family member with a developmental disability living with me. Are there any programs available to assist me in buying a home?

The OMRDD Home of Your Own program is now available to family members living with a person who has a developmental disability. Other programs available are the HOME grant, Home Choice and USDA Rural Development. For more information contact The OMRDD Office of Housing Initiatives in Albany at
518-473-1973 or the Housing Coordinator at your local DDSO.

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My daughter is 17, is this too soon to be thinking housing options for her?

No, depending on what type of housing your daughter wants, it could take 2 to 5 years to get it.  This would be a good time to sit down with her to make out the “Housing Wish List”.  After you’ve done the wish list, then do the Affordable Housing Alternatives survey together.  This will give you a good idea about what she wants and needs to live independently.

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I can’t imagine my son living independently.  Is it possible for him to live in his own apartment?

Yes, he can have his own apartment and still get the supports he needs.  There is the individualized service environment and consolidated supports and services.

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If you have a question about housing options, submit it here and we will answer it as soon as possible.   If you would like us to answer you directly, be sure to include your email address or other contact information.   If we post your question on this page, only the question and answer will be posted - all identifying information will be removed prior to posting.

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Parent to Parent of NYS - Statewide Office
500 Balltown Rd.
Schenectady, NY 12304
518-381-4350 or 1-800-305-8817

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