CONTACT: Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org

THE BRIDGE TO HOME PROGRAM SHOULD BE THE NORM, NOT THE EXCEPTION

Every City Agency, Non-Profit & Beat Cop Knows Homeless NYers Struggling with Mental Health & Substance Use Cycle Through Jail, Shelters, and ERs

NEW YORK — In response to reporting in the Gothamist this morning about the expansion of the Bridge to Home program, VOCAL-NY released the following statement, attributable to Jeremy Saunders, Co-Director at VOCAL-NY:

“Every single individual working on New York City’s street homeless crisis knows that most homeless people struggling with mental health issues and substance use, cycle through local precincts, Rikers Island, shelters and ERs without ever being housed or provided the healthcare they need. Tax dollars are wasted and everyday New Yorkers lose faith in government while city government reinforces the idea that this crisis is unsolvable. It is not.

Bridge to Home is an example of the effective, scalable solutions that homeless New Yorkers have long called for in response to this crisis. The program has onsite healthcare for people with serious mental health issues; it is run by clinical staff, has a psychiatrist and nurse, and people can receive their medication onsite. A mental health housing program with easily accessible mental health services. 

The Mamdani administration inherited this problem. The Adams administration exacerbated this crisis through mismanagement and ineffective police interventions. But the Mayor must put his political weight behind real, proven, long-term solutions. The Mayor has been appropriately applauded for his effectiveness at addressing other issues around New York City; it’s time for him to take the homelessness crisis head on. That includes ensuring that every street homeless New Yorker has access to appropriate housing programs; this includes mental health care for those who need it, and care for those struggling with substance use disorder. Currently, the majority of people in need of this care in our city do not receive it.

This is a statewide crisis, which needs a statewide solution. While much attention is paid to the crisis of street homelessness and unmet mental health and substance use needs in New York City, the fact is that virtually every corner of New York State is impacted. Major cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany have even fewer resources than New York City and rural areas are also impacted. Governor Hochul must use the upcoming state budget process to ensure every city and county have the tools they need to provide housing and healthcare to those in need – instead of further investing in the revolving door of jails, shelters and ERs – to solve this crisis across the state.”

BACKGROUND: 

Safer for All, a plan by former Comptroller Brad Lander, estimated that roughly 2,000 street homeless New Yorkers have a serious mental health issue. Most New Yorkers we share this information with respond in surprise that such a manageable issue is not being more effectively addressed.

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