How the Hudson Valley Social Care Network
Supports Medicaid Members
What is the Hudson Valley Social Care Network (SCN)?
The Hudson Valley Social Care Network (SCN) helps Medicaid members in Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, and Sullivan counties get connected to services that support their daily lives.
If you are on Medicaid, you may be able to receive free support with food and nutrition, housing support, transportation, and care navigation. These services address health-related social needs (HRSNs) that have a direct impact on your health and well-being.
Success Story #1: A Single Mother Finds Relief After Eviction
A 30-year-old single mother of a six-year-old child was recently evicted from her home. With no stable housing, she and her child were placed in temporary shelter at a hotel, with housing costs covered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Although employed part-time, her lack of reliable transportation made it nearly impossible to access food and other essentials.
Through a Social Care Network screening on the Unite Us platform, her most urgent needs were identified. Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster (OSU) stepped in immediately. A Social Care Manager secured food assistance and personally delivered supplies to the hotel, ensuring the family had immediate relief. In addition to food, hygiene products were delivered to support their basic needs.
The compassionate approach taken during the screening process created a safe space for this mother to openly share her struggles. By listening carefully and responding quickly, Catholic Charities was able to meet her most pressing needs. With food and essentials in place, she now has the breathing room to focus on rebuilding stability for herself and her child.
Success Story #2: Cookie Finds Stability with Food and Housing Support
Cookie, a woman in her mid-40s, was referred to Independent Living by the Mental Health Association in Orange County. She was struggling with both nutrition and housing.
Through the SCN, Cookie was connected with Epicured, a nutrition solutions company, where she began receiving free medically tailored meals in July 2025. With her food needs met, she could put more money toward rent.
Meanwhile, her case manager at Independent Living helped apply for low-income housing and reached out to local landlords. With food and housing secured, Cookie now feels hopeful and empowered about her path toward independent living.
Success Story #3: Tony Restores Hope with Nutritious Meals and Housing Assistance
Tony, in his mid-50s, connected with SCN partner Independent Living during a routine intake call. His SCN screening revealed urgent needs for food and housing.
Within days, he was linked to Hearth Meals LLC, where he began receiving weekly meals. At the same time, Catholic Charities provided rental assistance. Together, these SCN partners stabilized Tony’s housing.
With his immediate needs met, Tony has been able to focus on his health, rediscover hobbies like fishing, and lean on family for encouragement. For the first time in years, he feels hopeful and supported.
What Do These Stories Show?
Maria, Cookie, and Tony’s experiences show how the Hudson Valley SCN works by connecting Medicaid members in need to a vast network of community-based partners that provide help with social care navigation, nutrition, housing support and transportation, like:
- Independent Living
- Mental Health Association in Orange County
- Epicured
- Hearth Meals LLC
- Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster
- And 100+ more – click here to find a local Hudson Valley SCN partner near you.
Working together, they ensure Medicaid members’ health doesn’t fall through the cracks due to insufficient access to healthy food, stable housing, or transportation to critical necessities.
Who Can Get Help from the Hudson Valley Social Care Network?
If you are a Medicaid member in the Hudson Valley, you may qualify for free services, such as:
- Nutrition: Groceries, medically tailored meals, or cooking supplies
- Housing Support: Rent or utility assistance, safe living accommodations such as mold and pest remediation, or home modifications for members with physical disabilities
- Transportation: Rides to non-medical appointments, food pantries, or job interviews
- Navigation & Support: A Social Care Navigator to guide you to the right services
How Do I Get Screened for Social Care Network Services?
Getting started is simple and free:
- Visit the Hudson Valley Social Care Network page to watch our video and learn more.
- Call 914-512-5292 to complete a free screening with a care navigator.
- Take a self-screening online and a navigator will follow up to confirm eligibility and connect you to services.
Why Screening Matters
Screening helps identify your needs and ensures you are connected to the right services. Many members, like Maria, Cookie, and Tony, discover resources they didn’t know were available — and find a pathway to stability and better health.
