he Community Residence Program provides a range of services for single adults with mental illness referred by hospitals, churches, shelters and other community programs. This transitional housing program emphasizes rehabilitative services for persons who need support and training to live in the community, and ultimately, to become more independent. Whatever the level of functioning, independence, or need, we are never far away. When consumers need more support, they are immediately provided with additional care and services, and transferred to the appropriate housing and level of care. Our staff supports a service delivery plan 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our facilities include rental apartments throughout the service area and Council House, a 20 unit independent living complex. We also provide permanent and supported housing for graduates of the Community Residence Program who require less support to live successfully in the community.

The Community Residence Program provides five levels of care:

Hudson Supervised Residence - 20 beds, 24 hour supervision
Aurora Residence (MICA) - 20 beds, 24 hour supervision
Intensive Supportive Program - 9 beds, daily visits, scattered-sites
Supportive Living Programs - 39 beds, 1-3 visits per week, scattered-sites
Council House - 20 dwelling units, independent living complex, visits once per week
Supported Housing - 100 apartments, residents hold leases, visits as needed (minimum once
per month)

Residents are trained in the following areas of restorative services:

Daily Living Skills Socialization
Health Services Rehabiltation Counseling
Medication Management and Training Parenting and Training
Substance Abuse Services Symptom Management
Assertiveness And Selef Advocacy Skill Devlopement Services
Community Integration/Resources Developement

The following programs are provided:

Stipend Program– Preparation For Work
Health For Freedom
Latino Group/African American Club
Double Trouble Recovery
Consumer Advocacy Group

Admission Criteria and Referral Process

Heritage Health and Housing, Inc. has established a standard criteria for admission which will help staff and referral agencies in determining the admission potential for clients wishing to enter the Community Residence Program.

RESIDENTS MUST:
1. Must be 18 years of age or older and have a diagnosis of severe and persistent mental illness
2. Participate in a clinical day program, and work or attend school
3. Follow aftercare recommendations
4. Participate in self-help group meetings held in house and/or in the community
5. Make Heritage Housing, Inc. payee for Entitlements
6. If self-pay, agree to pay congregate care level II monthly fee
7. Participate in community residence groups and socialization activities
8. Follow community residence house rules
9. Agree for personal needs allowance to be budgeted by program’s staff when warranted. Consumers should be capable, at the time of admission, of bathing, dressing, self-medicating, feeding, grooming, toileting, self-care and capable of self- reservation.

Referral sources will be required to submit an approved HRA 1995 and current supporting documentation including current psychosocial summary, psychiatric assessment and physical examination.

All referrals are logged in on the day they are received and an interview is scheduled. All persons referred for admission who meet the basic criteria are interviewed. Within 3 working days after submission of all necessary documentation, a screening meeting is held wherein a summary of the referral information and subsequent interview is presented to the screening team. The screening team consists of the Director of Clinical Services or designee, consulting Psychiatrist Program Supervisor, Supervising Case Manager, Case Manager, Unit Supervisor, and MICA Coordinator. Based on the material presented the team will determine whether the applicant is appropriate for the program, or if additional information is required, and will recommend short term objectives. A written explanation is provided to the applicant and referring agency if there is a rejection or delay. The explanation will also include the steps needed to be taken in order for the applicant to be admitted.

Referral packages are to be mailed to the following address:
Heritage Health and Housing, Inc.
416 West 127th Street, New York, New York 10027
Attn: Pamela Pannell, Supervising Case Manager

For Admissions/Information Call:
Pamela Pannell, Supervising Case Manager, Admission Services,
Community Residence Program
Phone: 212-866-2600 x27
E-mail: pannell@heritagehousing.org