Liberty Resources to develop supportive housing in Onondaga, Cortland counties

DeWITT — Liberty Resources will use $1.2 million in state-grant funding for the development of housing programs in Onondaga and Cortland counties. The organization calls the grant funding a “major stride towards addressing housing challenges for vulnerable communities,” according to its Feb. 29 announcement. Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) awarded the money. Liberty Resources will use about $750,000 toward constructing a 60-unit housing complex in Onondaga County. The organization will designate half of those units for adults diagnosed with serious mental-health concerns, substance-use disorders, and HIV/AIDS. It will also allocate the remaining grant funding, about $500,000, to establish a 40-unit housing complex in Cortland County. Liberty Resources will reserve half of the units for senior citizens aged 55 and above requiring assistance with daily-living activities. People residing in the supportive living units will have access to on-site staff who will provide connections to vocational training, employment support, behavioral health care, and other vital community resources. “This grant supports our mission of providing safe and secure housing options for vulnerable Central New Yorkers alongside resources that bolster their independence and well-being.,” Marta Durkin, VP of Liberty Resources’ behavioral-health services, said in the announcement. Liberty Resources currently operates 12 residential programs across Central New York that support individuals living with serious mental-health diagnoses, substance-use disorders, and HIV / AIDS. DeWitt–based Liberty Resources provides services to nearly 18,000 individuals and families throughout New York, New Jersey, and Texas. The agency says it is widely known for its integrated health-care services that include primary care, pediatrics, mental health, substance use, care management, and other community-based services.