Latest news with #EnrichedHousingProgram
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NY senior's Social Security still going to the nonprofit that ran her housing complex — even after it folded
In a shocking collapse of care and accountability, elderly and disabled residents at two Rochester housing complexes were given just 10 days to vacate after a support program they depended on shut down suddenly, leaving some without housing or access to their own Social Security checks. One of those affected is 80-year-old Georgia Johnson. She is packed and ready to move, but can't. The reason? A nonprofit still controls her money. 'How can they be so heartless to take people's money when they have to live?' Johnson told News10NBC. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Family Service of Rochester, the nonprofit tasked with running the Enriched Housing Program at Hudson Ridge and Danforth Towers, managed residents' Social Security and disability benefits in exchange for providing support services and paying rent on their behalf. But according to the Rochester Housing Authority and as previously reported, the organization owes more than $400,000 in back rent. And the New York State Department of Health said the care provided by Family Service had become so poor that it posed health and safety risks to residents. 'Want to hear the shocker?' Johnson asked. 'They told me I was going to be in one room with a partner… That wasn't even a downsize — that was a no-size.' Johnson's daughter, Jannine Johnson, found an assisted living facility willing to take her mother, but there's a catch: Family Service of Rochester is still receiving Georgia's Social Security benefits and has failed to reimburse her for prior payments that she should have received directly. Despite a promise that her May check would be refunded, the money never showed. The family tried to cut ties with the nonprofit, visiting the Social Security office to change the representative payee, but due to a clerical error, the June 3 payment still went to Family Service. 'That money was supposed to be put in mommy's account,' Jannine said. Now they've been told to ask the nonprofit to cut a check. So far? No check. No refund. No move. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it 'This country is supposed to be land of the free and home of the brave,' Georgia Johnson said, 'but in other countries they take care of their elders.' News10NBC's Deanna Dewberry contacted the board chair of Family Service of Rochester. She claimed she was unaware of the situation but said they're now trying to resolve it. Family Service issued a statement saying it is "following instructions" from the Social Security Administration. The nonprofit says it can only release funds for rent if it receives an invoice from a new facility. They claim checks are written weekly. With $400,000 in unpaid rent and dozens of displaced and vulnerable residents, the situation caught the attention of law enforcement. Both the Monroe County District Attorney and the New York State Attorney General have confirmed they're actively investigating. It would not be the first time that a nonprofit is accused of misusing government funds. The U.S. Attorney's Office has not yet commented. This case exposes just how vulnerable seniors can be when someone else controls their money. Here are five takeaways to protect yourself: Know your rights: If someone else is handling your benefits, you can change or revoke that arrangement by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly. Advance Designation allows you to pre-select up to three individuals as potential payees, offering peace of mind and preparedness. Keep documentation: Always keep records of your benefits, how they're spent and who is the payee. In emergencies like this, paper trails are everything. Keep in mind that SSA requires representative payees to report any changes that may affect the beneficiary's benefit payments within 10 days after the month in which the change occurred. Emergency savings and housing plans: Seniors and caregivers should create 'what if' emergency savings and housing plans, especially when third-party agencies are involved in finances. Understand your legal rights: Review or revoke power of attorney (POA) if you feel unsafe and assign a new one with legal assistance. Know elder abuse laws: Financial abuse is a crime. Report suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement. Use technology safely: Beware of phishing and scams and never share financial information over the phone or email unless you're certain the individual you're speaking with is an authorized representative of the agency. Secure your devices by keeping your phone, computer and passwords safe, especially if you do online banking. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
RHA aiding residents in Danforth and Hudson-Ridge Towers after program termination
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Multiple residents have moved out of Danforth and Hudson Ridge Towers after the termination of a housing program. The Enriched Housing Program's services were terminated for the residents living there. The program was run through Family Service Communities, which said the programs were closed to ensure the 'health and safety' of participating residents. 28 of the 29 former residents of the program are being assisted by the Rochester Housing Authority. They are securing housing solutions for the affected residents. Wegmans provided meal arrangements for residents in need. It was originally reported that people were being evicted from the towers. The Housing Authority clarified this was not the case — the Department of Health was relocating those affected, as others were invited to stay under a different program. Below is the most recent statement from the Rochester Housing Authority: 'As of today, the Rochester Housing Authority has assisted 28 of 29 former Enriched Housing Program residents from Danforth and Hudson Ridge Towers in identifying or securing appropriate housing solutions. Most will remain in their RHA units and become Public Housing residents.' 'We remain focused on ensuring the stability, safety, and well-being of all affected residents during this transition. Our team has done a great job assisting residents and continues to work closely with Monroe County Department of Human Services, Office of the Aging, Lifespan, and other partners to evaluate each individual's needs and provide coordinated support to ensure the residents receive the proper support services they need.' 'We would also like to thank Wegmans for working with us to establish meal arrangements for residents in need of this service. Their support has helped meet critical daily needs during a challenging time. ' 'We thank our community partners and the media for their continued interest and compassion. Additional updates will be shared as progress continues.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NY nonprofit was meant to support older, disabled Americans — then it lost $650K and forced them to move out
Moving is hard under the best of circumstances, but imagine being an older or disabled person and given less than two weeks to pack up and leave. That's what happened to residents of the Enriched Housing Program in Rochester, New York, operated by the nonprofit Family Service of Rochester. The program was set up to help older and disabled people live in apartments independently. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) 'All I can tell you is it's very stressful. Very stressful for all the residents,' resident Bonnie Allsup told News10NBC in a story published May 28. 'They were made to move in 10 days without any kind of knowing why,' According to the local broadcaster, New York's Department of Health found Family Service's care had deteriorated so badly that it posed a risk to the health and safety of residents. Participants had trusted with program with their Social Security and disability checks in exchange for support services and rent payments. So, what exactly happened, and how can Americans prepare for the unexpected? Family Service's latest IRS 990 tax filing paints a troubling financial picture. The organization ended its 2024 fiscal year $650,755 in the red, News10NBC reports, raising serious questions about whether residents' benefits were properly handled. The program was also $400,000 behind on rent payments. News10NBC says it reached out to the CEO listed on Family Service's 990 form, Neil Cavalieri, along with the entire board of directors, and all declined to comment. Earlier in the week, days after the program's closure, News 8 WROC reported it received a statement from Family Service: 'The programs are being closed to ensure the continued health and safety of the resident participants. Residents in the programs are receiving assistance from both the Department of Health and Family Service in finding appropriate/safe alternative housing and health services.' If federal funds were misused, oversight of any investigation would likely fall to the U.S. Attorney's Office, per News10NBC. The broadcaster says it contacted the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York but did not immediately receive a response. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Sudden shifts in things like housing and care services can leave many vulnerable folks scrambling. Families are often left with tough financial and personal decisions including: Hiring private caregivers: Without affordable community-based services, families may have to turn to private in-home care, which can eat through savings quickly. Working adults cutting hours: Adult children may need to leave the workforce or reduce working hours to become caregivers for their aging relatives, resulting in lost wages and stalled retirement contributions. Tapping into retirement savings: Those in a fixed income may find themselves withdrawing from 401(k)s or IRAs prematurely, increasing the risk of outliving their savings. Rising household debt: To cover these costs, some households may be taking on credit card debt, personal loans or second mortgages, putting their long-term financial stability at risk. Despite these challenges, there are strategies older Americans and their families can consider: Medicaid and public aid: Some may qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage or other government-funded programs. Check eligibility and get guidance on these programs. Community-based services: Nonprofits and local agencies might offer subsidized services such as meals, transportation and part-time caregiver relief. Long-term financial planning: Work with financial advisors who specialize in senior care and benefits, like the VA's Aid & Attendance program. Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Group behind Danforth, Hudson Ridge ‘crisis' releases statement
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Well after dozens of vulnerable seniors living at Danforth and Hudson Ridge towers in Rochester say they were told they had to move out by Saturday, the group that had cared for them remained silent, until Friday. Family Service of Rochester, which also goes by Family Service Communities, released a statement to News 8 Friday offering a brief summary of what was happening, but did not explain why or respond to allegations of financial and administrative mismanagement. The statement confirms much of the State Department of Health, or DOH, has already reported, including the end of a program (Enriched Housing Program, or EHP) that placed around 100 senior citizens in Danforth and Hudson Ridge apartment towers and provided services for them. Family Service of Rochester went on to say, 'The programs are being closed to ensure the continued health and safety of the resident participants. Residents in the programs are receiving assistance from both the Department of Health and Family Service in finding appropriate/safe alternative housing and health services. We appreciate the strong and dedicated work of the staff at both programs during this time.' Earlier this week, the program's closure had many residents under the impression they were being evicted and could be out on the street this weekend. Thursday, Rochester Housing Authority, which operates the two towers but does not care for the residents under EHP, stated there was no eviction, but DOH was relocating some of those affected while others were invited to stay and live in the towers under a different program. DOH says the program closure was prompted by a review that found several problems with how Family Services was running it. Specifically, DOH found Family Service of Rochester, which is based in Fairport, accepted people who needed more services than EHP could provide, lacked of supervision, provided poor record keeping, did not monitor narcotics, failed to offer proper nutrition, and did not adhere to medication protocol. DOH went on to say Family Service of Rochester did not have the resources to address the violations and 'voluntarily surrendered their licenses and opted to close the programs,' emphasizing the decision was made by Family Service of Rochester and not the state, adding the process of moving residents required urgency because Family Service of Rochester's 'staffing was insufficient and funding was depleted.' Meanwhile, RHA Executive Director Shawn Burr said Family Service failed to pay the rent owed to RHA – rent the tenants had already paid to Family Service. Burr said he'd like to see an investigation and those responsible for any misconduct or mismanagement be held accountable. In their statement Friday, Family Service of Rochester did not address the DOH findings or RHA accusations. News 8 has called Family Service of Rochester several times. Friday, the person who answered the phone said Neil Cavalieri, who is listed on the not-for-profit's website as the CEO, no longer works there. Also, IRS filings show a bleak financial picture dating back to 2022. It does not appear the City of Rochester nor Monroe County have any direct role in any of this, but both have involved themselves to try to fix the problem. Rochester Housing Authority has encouraged anyone under EHP who was not relocated to stay in their home so they can be placed under a different program that will allow them to remain where they are. Also, Legal Assistance of WNY has sent attorneys to both facilities to offer advice to shaken residents and their families. 'We're here to help the residents through challenging times that was not handled in a good way, pressuring people to move without much notice… we have people in tears about it and it should not have happened this way,' said Jeff Nieznanski, an attorney with Legal Assistance of WNY. If you need to contact them, call (585) 325-2520. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Message to Danforth and Hudson Ridge residents: There's no eviction
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Thursday morning, Theodore Austin was watching his belongings and those of others who had lived with him at Danforth Towers on Rochester's west side being loaded in U-Haul trucks. This, after he was told a few days ago the state program, Enriched Housing Program, or EHP, which allowed him to stay here was pulling the plug and he had to leave by this weekend. 'Throwing an old person out who can't walk, can't do nothing, I don't know,' Austin said from his wheelchair. Turns out, while it's true Austin and many others did have to leave, the state has come in to relocate them to other facilities that can offer the services they can no longer receive at Danforth and Hudson Ridge. 'I got to follow the truck, I guess,' Austin, who has lived at Danforth for 8 years, said, gesturing to the moving truck. 'I'm waiting for a ride to come take me to where I'm going.' Shawn Burr, Executive Director of the Rochester Housing Authority, which operates Danforth and Hudson Ridge apartments says this is a state issue and the state should have made it clear to the 100 or so seniors affected by this that they're not being evicted. While some did have to be relocated, others, Burr says, can stay at Danforth and Hudson Ridge by getting moved into a new program. 'Some have left and we're trying to work and communicate so we can find out who's coming and who's going and who can stay because we want to focus on who can stay and provide the resources necessary for them to stay,' Burr said. The state, meanwhile, said it had to end the program that allowed all these folks to stay at the towers because of poor conditions inside, while RHA points the finger at Family Services of Rochester, which the state was using to run the program, saying that organization did not pass along the rent money the residents had paid them. News 8's Adam Chodak: Are you suspicious? Burr: 'Oh, absolutely, as I'm sure everyone is…' Chodak: What do you hope happens in that regard? Burr: 'I hope there's an investigation done and whoever needs to be held accountable is held accountable. We're talking about residents in need and their lives, right? And their money, where did it go?' News 8 reached out to the State Attorney General's Office of see if there's an investigation and so far there's been no response. There's also been no response from Family Services of Rochester, which is based in Fairport. Legal Assistance of Western New York is helping residents impacted by this. If you or someone you know would like their help, call (585) 325-2520. Here's Rochester Housing Authority's most recent statement on the matter: 'We would like to be clear that the Housing Authority is not evicting Enriched Housing residents. This action is being coordinated by New York State Department of Health. This is extremely concerning and a disregard for the residents of our facilities—people who rely on these services for their basic safety and well-being. The Housing Authority has been working in good faith with Family Services for months to recover six figures in back rent that they were supposed to pay on behalf of the residents who paid them to do so, yet our outreach has been met with silence or vague responses at best. To now turn around and give us just one week notice that the program will be terminated and the residents relocated is not only outrageous—it's reckless and inhumane. Let's be clear: The Housing Authority has been doing everything in its power to prevent this crisis. We've been working diligently with the New York State Department of Health, our legal team, and yes, Family Services, trying to reach a resolution. We are furious that given this short timeframe, we are in this position but will continue to work with residents to ensure their housing needs are met.' Here's the State Department of Health's latest statement on the issue: 'In our role as regulator, holding operators accountable for the quality of care they provide remains a top priority for the New York State Department of Health. Our primary concern is the health and well-being of the impacted residents at these two Enriched Housing Programs. Recent surveys of the Hudson Ridge and Danforth Towers Enriched Housing Programs identified violations that posed immediate risks to resident health and safety. As a result of these findings and because the operator agreed it lacked the resources to correct the identified violations, the operator initiated an expeditious emergency closure of the Enriched Housing Programs and the transfer of residents to appropriate placements that could serve their needs. This action in no way impedes the residents' right to transition to the setting of their choice. Department of Health staff have been and will continue to be onsite at both facilities throughout the closure process to ensure safe and appropriate transfers and that residents receive appropriate care during the transition. Residents have and will continue to have the right to choose their homes. We cannot comment on the financial status of Family Services of Rochester.' Here's State Senator Jeremy Cooney's statement on the matter: 'The most important factor is that the impacted residents of Danforth Towers and Hudson Ridge Towers are allowed to stay in their homes. I thank the Rochester Housing Authority for making it clear that these residents are not being evicted. I am currently in communication with the New York State Department of Health to determine what occurred here and what the next steps are to ensure long-term housing stability for these members of our community. Should any residents of the towers have further questions or concerns, I encourage them to contact my office for assistance.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
