Downloads

Numerous circumstances lead to homelessness, and BRC has developed a diverse array of residential communities where individuals can address the challenges that have impeded their ability to find and keep a home.

BRC operates several residences for individuals living with mental illness. Fulton House, Cecil Ivory House and Casa de los Vecinos are three BRC residential programs with a combined capacity of 104 beds that are licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health as Community Residences. BRC also offers the 57-bed Reception Center, a residence for mentally-ill men and women who have been living in public spaces. While residing in these programs, individuals gain insight into their illness, and develop the skills to manage their health and live independently. Many resume their educations, and obtain employment. As their health and confidence improves, they graduate to their own apartment (see Permanent Housing, below), or to a shared-living program, like BRC's Metropolitan Apartment Program (MAP). In MAP, 87 individuals who have made great progress in their treatment are given the opportunity, under supervision, to demonstrate their ability to integrate into the community and live independently in an apartment, on their own or with a peer. Eventually, they too graduate to permanent housing.

The 110-bed Palace Employment Residence and 101-bed Lexington Avenue Women's Residence (in Brooklyn) - the latter BRC's only single gender program - offer homeless men and women not challenged by mental illness the opportunity to set and attain goals in housing and employment, while also addressing other needs, such as: surviving domestic violence, managing healthcare needs, furthering their education, living sober, and reuniting with children and other family members. Both residences partner closely with BRC's job training and placement program, Horizons.