Safe Options Support

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In response to the issue of chronic homelessness, the Safe Options Support (SOS) program was established through a collaboration between Catholic Charities of Cortland County (CCOCC), Rehabilitation Support Services (RSS), and the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).

 

This innovative model addresses the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness on the street and in other locations not intended for humans to live in such as cars, campers, and motels by offering direct linkages to services that address their immediate needs and providing support during the transition from street homelessness to stable housing. The project relies on consistent cross-system collaboration for data sharing, care plan coordination, and accessing community-based resources. Individuals are identified by outreach teams, law enforcement, hospitals, Departments of Social Services, and other community providers in close contact with individuals in need.

 

The SOS program covers those experiencing homelessness in Cortland, Tompkins, and Tioga Counties. 

 

The SOS Team utilizes person centered outreach and engagement approaches, coupled with Critical Time Intervention (CTI) - a time-limited, evidence-based service model that helps vulnerable individuals during periods of transition. Services are provided for up to 12 months, including pre- and post-housing placement, with an intensive initial outreach and engagement period that involves multiple visits per week.

 

The SOS teams facilitate housing placement and linkages to support services to help build skills and strengthen community-based ties. Services are individualized with flexible frequency and duration meeting each member’s unique needs.

 

The SOS Teams are comprised of licensed behavioral health clinicians, care managers, and peer specialists. Staff work closely with treatment providers, hospitals, and emergency programs to coordinate services, ensure continuity of care, and support discharge planning efforts.

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Services may include, but are not limited to the following:

• ​Focused outreach and canvassing

• Resolution of immediate needs including providing essential items such as food, water, clothing, blankets, and other necessary hygiene supplies

• Expanding the circle of care by making connections to a wide range of resources and informal supports including legal services, employment assistance, financial counseling, educational opportunities, skill building and linkage to social and recovery-oriented support services

• Linkage to behavioral health, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use, and physical healthcare providers

• Liaison between inpatient and outpatient providers to ensure continuity of care, pre- and post-discharge

• Completion of supportive housing applications, housing interview preparation, placement, assistance with gaining transitional and permanent housing, community integration and ongoing support

• Physical health education and coaching on health, hygiene, and wellness

• Assistance with identification documents, benefits, and entitlements such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance, and Social Security