MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Q: How do I know if I’m eligible to apply to the Options program?
A: Eligible applicants have a diagnosis of a serious mental illness and can demonstrate the ability to live with other people, among other criteria. For more information, please contact us by calling (631) 361-9020.
Q: How do I apply?
A: All applications must be sent to the Single Point of Access (SPA) in Suffolk County. To obtain an application or for more information about the application process, call SPA at (631) 231-3562.
Q: How much will it cost me to live in an Options house?
A: Residents in our certified Community Residence Program pay for services through Social Security and Medicaid. A few residents pay privately. Residents in the Supported Housing Program pay about one third of their income towards rent.
Q: How many people will I live with?
A: Our supervised group homes house 10 to 12 male and female residents and our scattered sites each house three individuals of the same gender.
Q: Where are the houses located?
A: All of our houses are in Suffolk County and are geographically located between Huntington and Brookhaven Townships, with houses in the towns of Islip and Smithtown as well.
Q: What services can I receive from Options’ mental health programs?
A: Options programs help prepare individuals with mental illness for independent living. Goals include developing the ability to manage medication, budget, and learn daily living skills. In addition, Options case managers, counselors, and supervisors visit residents on a consistent basis and make sure that each house runs smoothly and safely.
Q: What do people do during the day?
A: Most people are engaged in activities at rehabilitation programs during the day. Residents can volunteer at Options Thrift Shop or greenhouse where pre-vocational training is provided. Some people work and others go to school.
Q: How long can I stay in an Options house?
A: All of our supervised group homes and some of our scattered sites are transitional, meaning that individuals stay in our program only until they have the skills to live more independently, which usually takes two years or less. However, scattered sites in our Supported Housing Program are considered to be permanent housing and do not limit the length of stay.
Q: Who can I call if I have a problem with one of the sites?
A: Call 361-9020, extension 131, and ask to speak to a manager during regular business hours.
Q: What makes Options unique?
A: Surveys from program participants show that 93% of our residents are satisfied with our program and 94% would recommend the program to someone else. Options is led by very experienced managers who are directly involved in day to day functions.
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TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM
Q: Who does the Transitional Housing Program serve?
A: This Options program serves families only, not individuals.
Q: Do you accept referrals?
A: Yes. All referrals must come through the Suffolk County Department of Social Services.
Q: What kind of housing does the program provide?
A: The program operates scattered single family houses that vary in size located in neighborhoods throughout Suffolk County. They are well maintained, and located near shopping and public transportation. The houses are not identified to neighbors in any way.
Q: What should I do if my family becomes homeless or I get an eviction notice?
A: You can go to the nearest Suffolk County Department of Social Service (DSS) Center and ask for housing assistance.
Q: How long can I stay in the program?
A: This program is an emergency shelter program. Therefore, housing is designed to be short term. Our goal is to help you find permanent affordable housing within six months when possible.
Q: Do you provide financial assistance like food vouchers, rental assistance, bus tokens, etc.?
A: The program does not directly provide these services. However, case managers do help program residents find these services in the community and they advocate for their needs.
Q: What happens when I find permanent housing?
A: Your case manager will assist you in your move to permanent housing. Options will no longer provide case management services, but you can call your former case manager with questions. Options does follow-up work with families to find out how they are doing after three months and again after one year in permanent housing.
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HIV/AIDS PROGRAMS
Q: Does the program accept referrals?
A: Yes. The case management and housing programs accept referrals.
If you need help, you may call directly for information and
an eligibility screening. The staff will make an appointment
for you at the office, or will travel to your home or any
other preferred location to conduct an intake.Call (516) 481-6300.
Q: What parts of Long Island does the HIV/AIDS Program
serve?
A: The program serves all of Long Island with two offices:
Smithtown and Hempstead. The housing program has housing
sites located in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Q: Do you provide services to undocumented individuals?
A: No. This program does not receive funding that will allow for people who are undocumented to be served.
Q: Do I need to be eligible for Medicaid to receive Options case management services?
A: Options’ HIV/AIDS Program provides COBRA Comprehensive
Medicaid Case Management services. These services are billed
directly to Medicaid. Therefore, you must be eligible for Medicaid
in order to receive these services.
For individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid, and are homeless or in danger of losing housing, Case Management services are available through Options’ Housing and Supportive Housing Services Program. This assistance is designed to provide short-term, crisis oriented relief.
Q: Does the HIV/AIDS Program offer housing?
A: Yes. Options has an HIV housing program that provides permanent housing (we have over 40 scattered units) and supportive housing services. Housing services include case management, emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and brokerage fees.
Q: Do you provide transportation, food vouchers, bus tokens, etc.?
A: These are not services provided directly by the program. However, case managers do help program residents find these services in the community and they advocate for their needs.
Q: What does a case manager do?
A: A case manager will meet with you to discuss your needs. He or she will help you to set goals and learn about community resources that enable you to become healthier and more independent. The case manager helps you get housing, food, medical care, transportation, entitlements, and support.
Q: How often will I see my case manager?
A: Usually once a week, especially in the beginning. You will make arrangements with the case management staff according to how much contact you need.
Q: Does the program offer bilingual services?
A: Yes. Staff members who speak Spanish and Creole are available in both counties
Q: If I switch medical providers, do I have to switch case management providers?
A: No. Options’ services are independent of medical services. Options can assist you with any medical provider you are using.
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