What is a NORC?
Who provides services to NORCs?
What are the benefits of having a NORC Program in my parent’s co-op?
How are NORC programs funded?
How can my apartment complex become a NORC?

What is a NORC?

NORC stands for “Naturally Occurring Retirement Community.” It is used to describe a housing community in which over half of the residents have aged in place, making the building or complex, itself, inadequate to the needs of its current residents. While many of these residents may wish to continue to live in the communities in which they have raised their families and continue to have deep ties, they recognize that they now need help to continue to live at home independently.

Who provides services to NORCs?

NORC services are provided by social service agencies that generally have a history of working with the elderly. Selfhelp has been providing NORC services in New York City since the 1980s, when it began providing services to Penn South, in Chelsea, the first NORC to open in New York. Since then, Selfhelp has opened six other NORCs.

What are the benefits of having a NORC program in my parent’s co-op?

When a co-op contracts with Selfhelp, our social workers are able to provide services to the residents of the co-op. These services include case management, case assistance, financial management, support groups, health services, access to home care, and group services. More specifically, the services would include client advocacy, benefit counseling, information and referral, long term care planning and recreational and educational opportunities. Other services that the Selfhelp NORC Program provides are volunteer opportunities, transportation, outreach, and social adult day programs.

How are NORC programs funded?

NORC programs can be funded in part through city and/or state agencies, such as the State Office for the Aging (SOFA) and the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA); They may also be funded through foundation grants, legislative grants, council grants, Co-op board funds, and private donations.

How can my apartment complex become a NORC?

Selfhelp has a wide range of services available to apartments and co-op boards. Please ask your co-op board or property manager to contact us at 718-359-0860 or email us your request, and we will be happy to discuss how we can assist you to meet the needs of the individual and collective residents.