About

Step Up For Better Living provides a full array of social services and referrals for over 200 South Bronx families and seniors living in low-income housing. We work on an individual level to develop skills for successful independent living as part of a safe, healthy community. Clients who are 62 years old and meet income requirements are eligible to receive a range of services. The services we provide include:
– Assistance applying for the following programs/services.
– Social Security
– MTA Half-Fare Cards
– ACCESS A RIDE
– Meals on Wheels
– Referrals to Senior Services such as day programs, senior programs, and more.

We refer clients who are at risk of or facing eviction to agencies that offer eviction prevention services. We assist clients to obtain appointments for rental assistance, complete applications for One-Shot deals and other rental subsidies that help to prevent evictions. We assist clients to increase their access to medical care and to help them stay as healthy as possible. Project staff assist people with HIV by addressing their immediate concerns and connecting them with medical case management services, counseling, education, and access to medical care appointments. We assist clients that need to apply for rental subsidies. We also assist clients that receive rental subsidies to complete re-certifications. We assist clients that are in a crisis by providing support services which minimize stress and which maximize the Individual’s ability to cope with the crisis. Clients are encouraged to seek support from their network of friends and family, and to discover alternative problem-solving strategies. We also assist clients by scheduling ongoing sessions to address crises with family, friends, or others. We provide Workshops that help tenants remain stably housed. Our aim is work with those who need assistance or access to community resources that promote self-sufficiency, security, wellness, and progress. Workshop topics include but are not limited to how to access:
Community Resources in your neighborhood. 
Nutrition Assistance Programs
Earned Income Tax Credit
Federal Child Tax Credit
Higher Education Assistance
Health Resources

We assist clients that are having difficulties managing their budgets. Clients receive assistance developing a monthly budget plan so that they can see how their money is spent. We also assist clients by teaching them the basics of comparison shopping. Ultimately our aim is to empower clients with the tools and support they need to learn better money management skills and to become better consumers.