Community Habilitation Services
Our Community Habilitation services support individuals in developing daily living, social, and community skills within their own homes and neighborhoods. Services are personalized and focused on increasing independence, confidence, and meaningful community participation.
Services We Offer:
Housing Rental Subsidy (HRS)
Our Housing Rental Subsidy (HRS) program helps individuals secure and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing in the community.
With a housing subsidy, a portion of the rent is covered, making independent living more accessible while allowing tenants to lease apartments in the private market. Participants pay an affordable share of the rent, while the subsidy provides financial stability and consistency for both tenants and property owners.
For landlords, this means:
Reliable rental payments
Ongoing tenancy support through our agency
A dedicated team to assist with communication and coordination when needed
For individuals, it means greater independence, housing stability, and the ability to live in the community with appropriate supports in place.
Community Habilitation (CH)
This is a service that helps people with disabilities learn skills to be more independent. A staff member works with them one-on-one, either at home or out in the community, not in a classroom or group home.
Waitlist: Open Availability
Respite
Our Respite services are designed to provide meaningful relief to caregivers while ensuring individuals receive safe, supportive, and engaging care. Respite offers short-term support when caregivers need time to rest, attend to personal matters, manage emergencies, or simply recharge. During respite, individuals are supported by trained staff who focus on safety, daily living needs, and positive community or in-home activities tailored to the person’s preferences. Whether planned or unexpected, respite helps caregivers maintain their well-being while knowing their loved one is in capable, compassionate hands.
Com Hab in Lieu of Day Hab (CHIL)
CHIL replaces group Day Hab with individualized, one-on-one Community Habilitation, helping people build real-world life skills and independence in their own homes and community.
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✔ Have a documented/diagnosed developmental disability
✔ Be eligible for New York State Medicaid
✔ Be approved by OPWDD and enrolled in the HCBS Waiver (through the OPWDD Front Door process)
✔ Have a need for services and/or housing support identified in their Life Plan by their Care Manager
Respite services are intended to provide temporary relief to caregivers and are usually for individuals who live with family or a primary caregiver.
Housing Subsidy (HRS) is for individuals who can live in the community with supports but need financial assistance to afford rent and must be able to maintain housing with appropriate services in place.
Eligibility Requirements:
CH FAQ:
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Community Habilitation is a service that helps individuals develop skills needed for daily life and greater independence. Support focuses on personal goals such as self-care, household tasks, social skills, and community involvement.
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Services are typically provided in the individual’s home and in the community, such as during shopping trips, appointments, or community activities, based on the person’s service plan.
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Skills may include:
Cooking and meal preparation
Cleaning and household routines
Budgeting and money management
Using public transportation
Social and communication skills
Health and safety awareness
Services are always person-centered and goal focused.
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If your family member would benefit from learning or strengthening independent living and community skills, Com Hab may be a good fit. Your Care Manager can help explore eligibility and add the service to the Life Plan.
CHIL Program FAQ
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Community Habilitation in Lieu of Day Habilitation is an option for individuals who choose to receive individualized, community-based support instead of attending a site-based day program.
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Traditional Day Habilitation usually takes place in a program setting with group activities. Com Hab in Lieu focuses on one-to-one or small-group supports in real community settings, based on individual goals and interests.
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Activities may include:
Community volunteering
Fitness and wellness activities
Shopping and meal planning
Social and recreational activities
Skill-building related to independence and employment readiness
All activities must align with the individual’s Life Plan goals.
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This service may be a good fit for individuals who:
Prefer individualized supports
Benefit from learning in real-life community environments
Are working toward greater independence or employment goals
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Yes. Com Hab in Lieu of Day Hab is designed to support individuals during daytime hours, similar to when Day Habilitation services are typically provided.
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Generally, Com Hab in Lieu is used instead of Day Habilitation. Service combinations must follow OPWDD guidelines and be approved in the Life Plan.
Respite FAQ (For Families):
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Respite provides short-term care that gives caregivers a break while their loved one continues to receive supervision and support.
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Respite can be used for planned needs, emergencies, appointments, or when caregivers simply need time to rest and recharge.
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Yes. Services are provided by trained staff focused on safety, daily needs, and positive activities.
HRS FAQ (Landlords):
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Rent is paid through a combination of tenant contribution and subsidy funding, providing stable and predictable payments.
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Our agency serves as a point of contact to assist with communication, coordination, and support when needed.
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Yes. Tenants receive services through our agency to support independent living and tenancy stability.
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o No. Standard lease agreements and tenant rights apply. The subsidy does not change landlord responsibilities or legal protections.