Safe, stable and affordable housing is a cornerstone of good health, especially for individuals living with chronic or serious illness.

Citizen Advocates provides apartment-based housing programs designed to support people with complex health needs throughout Clinton, Franklin, Essex and St. Lawrence counties. Each setting is designed so individuals can live as independently as possible. Currently, these programs serve approximately 60 individuals. 

“This program promotes a ‘housing-first’ philosophy,” said Heather Wenzel, Senior Director of Operations for Citizen Advocates. “Individuals who have access to safe and stable housing are more likely to have a strong foundation to manage their health, personal finances, diet and other activities of daily living.”

In 2019, a state initiative to improve health outcomes for individuals awarded Citizen Advocates a five-year, $2.5 million grant to launch and operate its Health Home Supportive Housing Program. The term ‘Health Home’ describes the coordinated effort among professionals, led by a care manager, who jointly manage the needs of individuals with complex health needs, who are homeless or housing insecure and use Medicaid. 

By connecting them to a positive housing environment, the intent is to lower Medicaid utilization, and reduce potentially avoidable emergency room usage or hospitalization. The high-need population this program focuses on are those who have had five ER visits, or two inpatient hospital stays within a 12-month period.

Citizen Advocates housing counselors work with program participants to establish a lease, guide them through financial assistance, direct program funds for apartment furnishings, and establish connections to safety-net programs and other services to help meet health needs and support day-to-day living.

Since launching, one of the individuals helped by the program is Jared Phillips. Before the Health Home Supportive Housing Program, Mr. Phillips relied on the generosity of others by mostly “couch surfing.” His current living situation in a one-bedroom apartment, helped him become more independent and focus on making positive decisions. His outlook on life improved greatly.

“The program gave me a brand new start on life”

- Mr. Phillips.