1987 - Three consumers with the help of Rehabilitation Support Services (RSS) applied for a grant to established HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Easier). HOME was part of 11 consumer operated programs funded by the Office of Mental Health and provided employment for three people helping individuals with mental illness find, get, and keep apartments. There was also financial support to help people purchase household items and offer limited stipends towards people’s rent. HOME was a CAPS precursor.
1989 - A group of individuals who had received mental health services envisioned, and implemented, a program whereby recipients of mental health services could help one another to achieve and maintain safe, secure, and affordable housing.
1990 - The Consumer Drop-In Center (CDIC) was incorporated in Albany, New York.
1992 - HOME was incorporated on May 19, 1992, and its name was officially changed to CLAP (Community Living Associates Program). RSS withdrew involvement from CLAP, making it a free-standing agency.
1994 - Peer Bridger Team starts up. The NYAPRS Peer Bridger Project, under contract with the New York State Office of Mental Health and through collaborations with local community mental health agencies and selected state psychiatric centers, has been charged to "help ease the transition into community life for individuals being discharged from New York State Psychiatric Centers and help to significantly decrease their need for readmission by offering an array of both intensive individual and group peer support services."
1995 - CLAP and the Consumer Drop-in Center (CDIC) merged, creating one organization under the name of Community Living Associates Program, Inc.
1999 - 100 Clinton Avenue Apartment Program began. CLAP began receiving funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the 100 Clinton Avenue Supportive Apartment Program in downtown Albany.
2006 - February 6, 20606, CLAP officially changed its name to Capital Area Peer Services (CAPS).
2008 - CAPS partnered with the Albany County Department of Mental Health’s Community Assessment Referral And Treatment Team (CART). CART strives to provide and maintain relationships between consumers and the community at large.
2009 - CDIC changed its name to the Victor Pagano Consumer Drop-In Center, following his passing in March of that year.
2009 - Legislation Resolution J2206 commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Capital Area Peer Services, Inc.
