Celebrating a Changing Spaces Milestone One year ago, we welcomed the first guests into our Changing Spaces program in Coney Island. The warm, private, home-like setting provides a small group of guests who have experienced long-term homelessness with tailored, high-touch, and trauma-informed services. The goal is to quickly find suitable, permanent housing for everyone who comes through our doors. “Changing Spaces has given me outstanding support,” says Jenny, a guest who was unhoused for more than two years before coming to the program. “It is a safe place to live with respectful and friendly staff who are supporting me to establish a routine and secure housing. I am on the path to a better me.” Over the past year, Changing Spaces has served 30 guests, including seven who are current residents and 23 who have transitioned into housing in the community. Guests have made incredible strides toward stability—90% have been connected to benefits, 75% are engaged with medical care, and 50% have secured employment. | |
Expanding Services for People with Developmental Disabilities | |
In case you missed it, amNewYork published an opinion piece that illustrates the challenges faced by individuals living with serious mental health challenges and developmental delays. For years, Lupe fiercely advocated for the proper care for her son Devon, who is dually diagnosed with autism and schizophrenia. At ICL, Lupe was finally able to get Devon the support he needed—but New York must invest in more comprehensive services for families like theirs. | |
