Crisis Navigator
My adult child needs housing
Housing in NY for adults with developmental disabilities is slow but navigable. Start the waitlist now, learn the difference between supervised, supportive, and family care, and build a Plan A and Plan B.
In the next hour
- Confirm OPWDD eligibility — housing pathways require it.
- Tell your Care Manager today that residential is now a goal on the Life Plan.
This week
- Ask OPWDD's Front Door to start a Vacancy Request / Residential Request.
- Tour 2–3 providers (YAI, AHRC, regional providers). Ask about their waitlist.
- Discuss Self-Direction housing options with your Care Manager.
- Talk to a special needs attorney about Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts.
- Apply to Section 8 / NYCHA waitlists in parallel as a backup.
Phone numbers
- OPWDD Front Door866-946-9733
- YAI Housing212-273-6182
- AHRC NYC212-780-2500
What to say (script)
[Name], age [age], is enrolled with OPWDD and needs to begin the residential pathway. We'd like to formally request a Vacancy / Residential placement. What documents do you need from us, and when can we tour available certified residences in our region?Browse full scripts library →
Documents to gather
- ✓OPWDD eligibility letter
- ✓Current Life Plan
- ✓Psychological / IQ testing
- ✓Functional behavior assessment
- ✓Income & benefits documentation (SSI, Medicaid)