Too often, the people we serve have been left out and shut out, seen as undeserving of the opportunity to build or rebuild their lives. They may have lived on the streets or in shelters and institutions for years, or even decades; be struggling with drug and alcohol use; and/or recovering from trauma, discrimination, and isolation.
Community Access provides person-centered services that help people pursue goals that are important to them — from gaining access to an affordable home, to learning new skills; from re-establishing community ties, to setting goals for the future.
OUR PROGRAMS
HOUSING
Community Access serves as a vital resource for people living with mental health concerns who have experienced homelessness and are often excluded from civil society. Developing affordable and supportive housing – and offering access using a Housing First model – is at the foundation of our mission.
EDUCATION & JOB TRAINING
Education is one of the critical elements in the social determinants of health – with a ripple effect and impact on people’s financial stability and futures. Even if one’s career path seems hazy, the data is clear: more education leads to better prospects for earnings and employment. We run peer training and supported education programs that help people learn new skills – and pursue their life and career goals.
CRISIS SERVICES
We opened the first Adult Crisis Residence in NYC, and have plans to open more programs like this that help people experiencing an emotional crisis avoid emergency hospitalizations.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Our Community Health Division offers many opportunities for gathering together as a community to enjoy meals, grow food, learn new skills, promote self-care, and participate in many more activities that bolster health and well-being.
ADVOCACY
We are committed to promoting progressive mental health policy agendas, raising awareness, and empowering community members to effectively advocate for their mental health needs. We empower people living with mental health concerns to engage in activities that influence city and state policies that can lead to real change.
ART
Our Art Collective workshops empower participants to use art as a healing tool.