Program Monitoring and Technical Assistance

Program Monitoring

CARES has provided monitoring assistance to the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) for their HUD-funded Shelter Plus Care programs, a permanent housing program for homeless individuals and families with disabilities. Program monitoring includes review of program files, client eligibility, proof of homelessness, maintenance of records, interview of clients, and inspection of apartments.

CARES also has extensive experience in monitoring NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP) programs. For over fifteen years, CARES has conducted HHAP monitoring visits throughout New York State.

Technical Assistance

CARES has provided technical assistance for the NYS Office of Temporary Disability Assistance, the NYS Department of Health, the NYS Office of Mental Health, and the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, in addition to countless non-profit agencies in the area of housing and supportive services for homeless and disabled persons.

Examples of technical assistance provided include:

Direct Property Management - In 2001, CARES assumed property management responsibility for a 22-unit scattered housing program funded through the NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program. From this experience, CARES has the qualifications to provide consultation on the following property management services:
1. establishing relationships with tenants, the public, municipal authorities and other not for profit agencies;
2. collecting rents;
3. ensuring business expenses are current;
4. submitting monthly status reports to funders;
5. maintaining units, buildings and grounds;
6. providing security;
7. linking tenants to support services
8. protecting vacant buildings against damage.
Asset Management - CARES is able to assist in the development of a comprehensive asset management plan including financial viability; property management and maintenance plans; referrals; intake and screening processes; long-range capital planning; support service provision; community relations and resources; tenant education and involvement; and fundraising/resource development.
Organizational Capacity Development - CARES has provided the following services in the area of organizational development: needs assessments, strategic planning, management assistance, development of program policies and procedures, identification of support services needs and plans to address these needs, establishment of linkages with other agencies and policy makers to ensure programs become part of the local continuum of services, staff training, tenant organizing, and integration of Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation funded programs with existing agency programs.
Support Services - CARES is able to design, develop and implement support services' programs for special needs populations. CARES has an in-depth understanding of the support services needed by the following special populations: homeless individuals, homeless families, homeless adolescents, victims of domestic violence, veterans, and persons living with HIV/AIDS. CARES has expertise in working with the following support services systems: employment services, mental health treatment, alcoholism and substance abuse treatment, transportation, child care, legal services, elderly services, domestic violence services, HIV/AIDS related services, benefits advocacy, emergency financial assistance, educational assistance, and life skills training.