When Housing Meets Healthcare

Homeless Solutions is proud to announce the launch of our new Medicaid-funded Housing Supports Program. We've also achieved a significant milestone: completing what’s believed to be New Jersey’s first placement under the NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) 1115 Waiver Housing Supports program in less than 60 days.

In July, New Jersey joined five other states in using Medicaid benefits to pay for housing-related services for members experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. HSI staff worked tirelessly this year to become a licensed Medicaid provider and build the compliant infrastructure needed to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. While HSI historically provided Housing Case Management only to residents in our shelter, transitional, and supportive housing programs, this new program allows us to expand our reach to those who are unsheltered or living in area motels.

"This success proves that coordinated systems change lives. This result reflects true partnership among health plans, state leaders, and mission-driven providers," said Jaclyn Stoll, HSI President & CEO.

The impact is already transforming lives. Meet Henry, a 73-year-old Medicaid member with multiple chronic health conditions and mobility challenges. When Henry became our first Housing Supports referral in August, HSI was still building the program—but we accepted the case. Henry had previously been supported by HSI programs and urgently needed to relocate due to a foreclosure on his apartment building and unsafe living conditions. "He was one of our own – he needed us and we were going to show up for him no matter what," reflects Shannon Muti, HSI Director of Programs and Services.

The HSI team immediately coordinated rapid outreach, an accessibility-focused housing search, and documentation support. Within 60 days, a senior apartment had been secured, and Henry signed his lease on October 1. Staff observed meaningful changes in his comfort and mobility within days of his move —simply from the difference between sleeping in a chair, as he had been doing, to sleeping in a bed. "This is a perfect example of how housing truly is healthcare," affirms Dominic Costanzo, HSI Associate Director of Transitional Services.

Since the soft-launch of the program in November, the program has received 20 referrals. Together, we're proving what's possible when housing, healthcare and compassion come together for those who need it most.