Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of people live in Concern programs?
Concern houses individuals and families with disabilities. We provide safe, affordable housing with supportive services to help individuals and families live with dignity in the community. We screen potential applicants to ensure that they can benefit from our programs, and that they are appropriate for a community setting. The safety of our residents and the community at large is a primary concern in choosing people that live in our housing.

How many people live in these houses?
Concern owns and/or operates over 130 sites throughout Suffolk County. Only four of our sites are Community Residences, and house 8 to 12 adults. These residences are staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Most of our sites house one to three adults, or small families. Staff are on call and available for all of our programs 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

If Concern is so big, and has been around for so long, why haven't I heard of you?
Concern for Independent Living is among the largest and oldest agencies providing housing and services to people with disabilities on Long Island. We have a great reputation as providers of high quality housing and services. The fact that our name is not well known by the public at large is actually a tribute to the work we do. It is essential for the safety and dignity of our residents that they be allowed to live in neighborhoods like anybody else. We have been able to develop high quality housing and maintain both the housing and services without becoming a household word. Communities are often surprised when they are told that there is already a Concern residence in their neighborhood.

Why are you developing a "demonstration program" in my neighborhood?
Concern is known for its innovative programs as much as it is known for the high quality of its programs. Occasionally, communities hear that Concern is developing a "demonstration program" in their neighborhood. In actuality, the primary model for our Supported Housing Program has been replicated successfully by Concern and other agencies for over ten years. Variations of the model typically offer more support services, and help make the transition to supported housing easier for the residents and their neighbors.

What do these people do all day?
Years ago, a disability seemed like a life sentence. Today, people with disabilities go to college, get jobs, and raise families. Many of the people in our programs are an active part of the local workforce. Others are in school, or volunteer at the local library or Senior Center. Just like you and me.

What if I have a problem with one of your sites, or a resident in one of your sites?
We are anxious to address any problems with any of our sites or any of our residents. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns. We will respond as quickly as possible to address any concerns and correct any problems. In our experience in operating housing for over 20 years, we have found that most problems have been minor, and easily correctable.

Besides housing, what kinds of services do you provide?
Concern offers individualized supportive services to all of its residents, either directly or through linkages with other providers. These include, but are not limited to: case management; benefits and budgeting assistance; crisis intervention; employment, vocational and educational assistance; legal assistance; parenting training; clinical and medical services; transportation training and assistance; counseling and support.

How can I apply for housing?
Typically, referrals are made by a physician or social worker, using the Long Island Universal Referral Form. This form can be downloaded from our forms page. The form includes instructions regarding the referral process.

It sounds like Concern does pretty good work. How can I help?

• Get involved! Start an Anti-Stigma Campaign, or join an advocacy group. Resources for this can be found on our links page.
• Make a donation of funding, clothing, vehicle, furniture, property. Fill out our online Donation and Contact Form. A representative will contact you. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
• Join the team! Concern has positions available for various levels of employment, including volunteers. Visit our jobs page for more details.

How can we reach you for more information?
For more information about Concern, you can contact us via email at info@concernhousing.org, postal mail, phone or fax. Contact information is listed above.