The October 8^th ribbon cutting at East River House was a moving event, bringing together elected and government officials, funders, and many friends of The Bridge.   The 41-bed residence, licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) as an extended stay program, is providing quality housing and support to a target group of some of New York’s most vulnerable: persons with serious mental illness who have significant histories of homelessness, criminal justice involvement and, in many cases, long periods of psychiatric hospitalization.

The development of the residence, located on 126^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues in Manhattan, marked the first Bridge project to use low income housing tax credit financing in addition to OMH capital funding.    Tax credit financing brings private equity into the mix of funding, stretching government dollars to be able to develop more special needs housing.   The building includes thirteen 3-bedroom units (each with shared kitchen and living room and 1 ½ baths) and one 2-bedroom unit, community lounge and dining facilities, office space, laundry and an attractive back yard.  

 The East River House staff and its diverse clientele, coming from municipal hospitals, state psychiatric centers and the Brooklyn Mental Health Court (an alternative sentencing program) are creating a community to support residents in their community integration and recovery.   On-site residential and case management staffs assist residents in identifying community resources and services they need to achieve their recovery goals.   

  

The ribbon cutting ceremony featured the participation of  State Assembly Member Adam Clayton Powell IV and City Council Member, Melissa Mark Viverito.  OMH was represented by Michael Newman,  Director of Housing Services Unit.  Pastor Eric Turner of the St. Luke’s Baptist Church delivered a moving blessing.  A highlight of the program was the remarks by Hameth Kanaute, a resident.