Housing Programs

Housing Counseling Services, including the First Time Homebuyer Program

First Time Homebuyer Program

This program is designed to assist income-eligible, low to moderate-income individuals or families with down payment and closing cost assistance in purchasing their first home in the City of Elmira by offering a grant in the amount of $10,000 that is forgiven after five years. The City of Elmira contracts with Catholic Charities to administer this program. For more information, please contact Kathy, 607-317-5677.

Workshop Information – please note: the down-payment assistant grant is only for purchase in the City of Elmira, but anyone is welcome at the workshop.

As of 2/9/24, there have been 485 successful first-time home buyers through our program!

HOPP Logo for Housing Counseling 300x300

Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Services

Funded through the New York State Attorney General
Homeownership Protection Program

This program offers free credit counseling, financial management, and assistance negotiating with lenders. We work to find solutions for individuals and families in need, whether it’s saving their homes, rebuilding financial solvency, or minimizing the community impact in the event of a foreclosure, we are here to help. This program serves Chemung, Schuyler, Tompkins & Tioga Counties.

HUD’s Homeowner’s Guide to Success

Financial Fitness Services

Crisis Budget Informational Video

Our Financial Fitness Services are designed to help individuals and families reach their financial goals. This can include opening a savings account, making large purchases without going into debt, cleaning up credit, creating an emergency fund, or just making your dollar go further. This program serves Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins & Tioga Counties.

For more information about any of our Housing Counseling Services, please contact Karen, 607-317-5753.

An interactive, printable workbook for children to teach them the importance of saving that sets them up for future success!

Browse Money as You Grow for 20 things kids need to know to live financially smart lives. Broken up by age group, you’ll find ideas & activities from 3 years old to young adults!

Community Living Program

The Community Living Program provides community living, case management, and residential support services to at-risk individuals and families with a mental health condition, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and homelessness. In addition, the program provides a continuum of housing options ranging from residences with 24-hour supervision and intense case management to a supported housing program offering case management and support services including subsidized independent housing. For more information, call 607.734.9784 (Chemung) or 607.535.2050 (Schuyler).

gateways housing

Our Goal: To empower individuals and young adults with the skills and resources necessary to achieve independence and success, including:

  • Stable Housing
  • Hard and Soft Skills
  • Community Living
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Alternatives to Hospitalization

Residential Housing Programs:

Supervised Community Residence
A transitional, rehabilitative group home for adults who have been diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This program teaches skills, offers support, and helps residents to achieve the highest level of independence possible. This residence is a single-site facility, with private or shared bedrooms for 14 individuals. Three meals a day are provided, as well as on-site rehabilitative services and 24-hour staff coverage. This level of housing is appropriate for individuals who need rehabilitative services in a non-hospital setting prior to placement in more permanent community-based housing.

Treatment Apartments
A transitional, rehabilitative residential apartment setting that provides a high level of support and skills training in an apartment setting for adults diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). This licensed program is designed to be transitional and usually, two to three residents will occupy an apartment. Bedrooms are private. Residents gain skills & independence, learn to use community programs, and develop a community support system of friends and family. Treatment Apartment sites are scattered-site rental units in the community. Staff work on-site with each resident, providing rehabilitative services & supportive services designed to improve an individual’s skills and ability to live as independently as possible in the community prior to more permanent community-based housing.

Supported Housing
A long-term to permanent housing program for adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI). It is targeted to individuals who are capable of living independently in the community and who are capable of taking care of their personal needs, with some case management support. The level of case management support can change as an individual’s ability to live independently in the community changes.

Homeless Housing
(Shelter Plus Care and Homeless Supportive Housing)
A long-term to permanent housing program designed to link rental assistance to supportive services for hard-to-reach homeless persons who have been diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness; have chronic problems with alcohol, drugs, or both; or who have HIV/AIDS-related diseases. This program is targeted to individuals who are capable of living independently in the community and who are capable of taking care of their personal needs, with some case management support. The level of case management support can change as an individual’s ability to live independently in the community changes.

LaFrance Apartments

LaFrance Community Room

LaFrance is a multi-family supportive housing community professionally managed by Providence Housing Development Corporation which opened in 2020. 
Applicants with Section 8 housing choice vouchers or certificates are welcome to apply for residency. Download a brochure for more information: English or Español