Fact sheet our story

BUILDING HOMES, HOPES AND FUTURES

OUR STORY Empowering people with psychiatric disabilities to transition to independent living by providing housing, job training, mentoring, counseling and advocacy programs that inspire healthy, productive lives.

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Pioneering Supportive Housing and Recovery Opportunities For the past 40 years, Community Access has been transforming the lives of thousands of low income New Yorkers who live with psychiatric disabilities. Our core philosophy is that— with the right support—individuals can recover from mental illness and live independently in the community, instead of cycling through costly institutional settings. Community Access has been a leader in transforming the mental health system through our integrated housing models, employment of individuals who have had a lived experience in the mental health system and advocating for the rights of individuals with psychiatric disabilities to live without fear or stigma.

Founded in 1974 as a bold response to the mass release of patients from New York’s psychiatric hospitals, Community Access first developed supportive housing—affordable rental housing linked to support services—on the Lower East Side of New York. This initial housing model combined low-income families with individuals living with mental illness, a model that serves as a healthy base for recovery. We have since developed over 1,100 units of supportive housing in New York integrating various populations, including people who have been formerly homeless or incarcerated, seniors, veterans, individuals living with HIV/AIDS and youth aging out of the foster care system.

Community Access has also created innovative crisis, recovery, education, treatment and employment programs for people with psychiatric disabilities. We share a core value that people with a lived experience of the mental health system are effective advocates, peers and mentors for others. Our award-winning programs that are being replicated nationally and internationally empower individuals to gain the tools and knowledge they need to rebuild their lives.

Housing Community Access owns and operates 20 supportive housing residences in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx, most with financing provided by public/private partnerships. Additional scatteredsite apartments are leased throughout the city with visiting support services. On-site staffing and property management services are provided to other non-profit agencies building upon our decades of experience in operating affordable housing.

Crisis Intervention and Alternatives to Hospitalization

OUR STORY

In 2013, Community Access piloted a respite center as New York City’s first alternative to hospitalization for individuals experiencing an emotional crisis. This ground-breaking initiative is peer-operated and provides an array of highly focused supports, including wellness selfmanagement, self-help training, and linkage to medical and psychiatric supports. The respite center also houses New York City’s first peer-operated support line: 646-741-HOPE, a contact point for New Yorkers experiencing emotional distress to connect with people who have had similar experiences.

Peer Training and Employment Services In 1995, Community Access introduced a model for job training and placement of individuals with a history of mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse and incarceration. With nearly 1,000 graduates to date, our Howie the Harp Advocacy Center (HTH) provides opportunities for peers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to find jobs in health and human services. The program includes 400 hours of classroom training and a 6-month internship. A satellite HTH program is now operating in the Netherlands by Pameijer, a national social service agency for people with psychiatric disabilities. In 2013, Recovery Connections was launched, promoting social network development for peers through engagement with people, places and activities outside the mental health system.

At East Village Access, Community Access offers curriculum-based, structured learning opportunities for adults with mental illness to become knowledgeable about employment, housing, life skills, and social opportunities. Using PROS—Personalized Recovery Oriented Services—the program helps over 200 clients annually identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and build skills for goal-setting, growth, recovery and self-directed living.

Other Recovery Programs Community Access operates The Art Collective, which uses art as a healing tool for helping people recover from psychiatric disabilities. Pet Access, a popular pet adoption and therapy program, promotes the therapeutic benefits of pet ownership.

With 360 employees and an annual operating budget of over $24 million, Community Access’ programs and services focus on helping New York City’s most vulnerable populations.

Income:

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web: www.commmunityaccess.org facebook: fb.com/communityaccess twitter: twitter.com/ca_nyc

Medicaid & Entitlements 24%

Property Income 4% Medicaid EVA 5% OMH & DOHMH 42%

Fundraising 9%

Other Gov’t 16%

Expenses:

Fundraising 1% Education Management & Training & General 14% 15%

Housing 70%