Henry Street Settlement opens doors of opportunity for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social service, arts, and health care programs.
In May, 2007, Henry Street opened a new residence offering permanent housing to New Yorkers facing challenges of homelessness and mental health challenges. The building has 52 studio apartments for single adults. Forty-four units are reserved for individuals who have histories of chronic homelessness, diagnosed mental health conditions and/or co-occurring disorder. Eight apartments are set aside for low income individuals (with preference given to existing residents) of our local Community Board District 3.
Henry Street’s residents receive more than housing: on-site case management services offer support in maintaining entitlements such as social security and public assistance benefits, health insurance, rental subsidies and SNAP (food stamps). There is a range of recreational and socialization activities along with educational workshops and tenants’ community meetings. Referrals for the permanent residence come through the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA).
The CCC also maintains 15 scattered-site apartments for homeless individuals who have major mental health issues. The rents for these apartments are subsidized up to 80 percent with a contract from the State Office of Mental Health. The tenants are responsible for paying up to 20 percent of rent, and all leases are in the tenants’ names. Case management and other supported services are provided to all residents. Referrals for the scattered-site apartments all come through a single point of entry, namely through the provider Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS). All tenants have leases to their apartments.
