Jericho Project Launches New Family Housing Program to End and Prevent Homelessness

NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Jericho Project, a nationally-acclaimed nonprofit ending homelessness at its roots, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to provide homeless New York families with safe, permanent housing and access to the employment, childcare and health services proven to prevent recurring homelessness.

"As New York re-opens, we must address the tragedy of family homelessness and enable families to rebuild their lives. Jericho Project is providing vulnerable families with supportive housing that is proven to be the best long-term solution to homelessness in our city. With their own lease and key to an affordable apartment, our families will leave shelter and establish new lives for themselves and their children," said Jericho Project CEO Tori Lyon.

Jericho Project empowers individuals and families experiencing homelessness or economic insecurity by providing housing and person-centered services to transform lives and address social inequities.

Funded by The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) with referrals of homeless families from the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), Jericho's Family Supportive Housing Program is providing 35 families with safe, family-friendly and furnished 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom apartments in the Bronx and Manhattan. The program is designed to support families in which a head of household is coping with mental health or substance use issues and recovery.

The JoyJ Initiative provides essential support to local homeless populations and those in need through volunteer-led direct outreach programs.

"DSS-HRA is proud to partner with the Jericho Project to provide New Yorkers experiencing homelessness with new, high-quality supportive housing that will help them stabilize their lives and get back on their feet, which is more important than ever before in these unprecedented times," said DSS-HRA Administrator Gary Jenkins.

"Vital resources like supportive housing units and the services they provide are an essential part of our commitment to addressing the citywide challenge of homelessness prior to and—especially—during the pandemic, including through the Mayor's historic and aggressive 15/15 plan to develop thousands of new units of supportive housing. Our Agency remains laser-focused on doing everything we can to serve vulnerable New Yorkers, and using every tool at our disposal, so that individuals who are able to move out of shelter can get the services they need to remained stably housed for the long-term – and not-for-profit social service providers like Jericho are key partners in this mission."

Parenting support is at the top of the list of priorities for these families who have between 1-5 children from newborn to 18 years of age. Jericho Project's experience in providing aftercare services to formerly sheltered families through HomeBase has demonstrated that professional and compassionate guidance makes a significantly positive impact on a family. As it embarks on its fourth year in the program, Jericho has served nearly 1,000 families of which approximately 95% have stay housed and out of shelters.

"JoyJ is committed to providing resources and backpack supplies for New York City children and is thrilled to provide these education items to Jericho Project families as they move into their own homes," said Stephanie Lantz, JoyJ Director. JoyJ offers unique programs to provide aid, food, comfort, and essential items to those experiencing homelessness.

Jericho has also proven that setting the foundation of reliable housing is key to a family's stability. For this program, Jericho is tapping into its longstanding network of collaborative landlords and brokers in the Bronx, cultivated through its Rapid Rehousing program for veterans and young adults, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. Jericho reinforces the family-landlord relationship by offering financial and legal guidance that ensures families are able to weather economic difficulties and uphold their tenant obligations.

"Many of the families we serve have no support system. By first eliminating the stress of homelessness and then creating a trusting, therapeutic relationship between Jericho staff and the family, this program is far more effective and vastly less costly than the shelter system. It is also vital for the mental and physical health of a generation of children who have suffered the trauma of homelessness," Lyon said.

Over its 38 years, Jericho has developed a holistic approach to ending homelessness at its roots that touches the cornerstones of a person's life – housing, employment, wellness and family stability.

Jericho serves over 2,900 New Yorkers annually, through nine supportive housing residences – including three built for veterans – and supportive apartments and services. These include Jericho's robust Workforce Opportunities (WfO) program engaging individuals in further education and employment, its mental and physical health services, its trained and compassionate counselors and access to a wide variety of financial, legal and childcare supports throughout the city.

"Jericho's dedicated programs for families, veterans and young – largely LGBTQ+ – adults are vital to the City's ability to rebound from the COVID-19 health crisis," added Mimi Boublik, President of the Jericho Board of Directors.

About Jericho Project: Inspired by the belief that transformation can occur in every individual, Jericho Project steadfastly works to end homelessness at its roots by creating a community that inspires individual change, fosters sustainable independence, and motivates men and women to reach their greatest potential. For 38 years, Jericho has provided supportive housing and counseling services to thousands of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
For more information: jerichoproject.org | @jerichoproject1983

Media Contact

Lynthia Romney, Jericho Project, 914-589-2140, [email protected]

SOURCE Jericho Project