What is in the meaning of ‘a home’? Security. Stability. Identity. Community. Independence. Dignity. Responsibility.
We need a home address to register to vote, apply for a driver’s license, list on a resume, receive a birthday card. Fountain House members deserve to have all of these things.
Fountain House is committed to offering safe, affordable and dignified housing for as many members as possible. Our Housing Program, operated by members and staff together, has been serving members for more than 40 years. Today, aiding some 500 men and women, it is one of the largest programs of its kind in New York State.
Many members live in Supported Housing, which includes apartments and single rooms scattered throughout the city. Members select where they want to live, and with whom, if anyone. They possess leases in their own names and pay partially subsidized rents.
When I was in the hospital, I had no home to come home to, and Fountain House got me a place to live. I was still in the hospital when they got an apartment for me. Through Fountain House, I got a nice apartment instead of a lonely, dreary room. I was alone in a welfare hotel. Now I have an apartment and a roommate.
Fountain House member
Fountain House also provides Supportive Housing, encompassing seven buildings plus apartments in the various boroughs of New York City. This housing may include 24-hour supervision, medication management, and some meals on site.
As part of Fountain House's program for homeless individuals with mental illness, Safe Haven opened in late 1998 in a completely renovated building directly across the street from Fountain House. Its residents have access to special on-site services as well as all of the Fountain House programs.
Through the Housing Program, members are able to re-acquire living skills, adjust to an independent home life and develop new friends to support their return to work and school.
On weekday evenings, weekends and holidays, members living independently who feel stress, want to talk or need urgent medical or psychiatric assistance can call the Warm Line and speak to Fountain House's specially trained members and staff, who follow through with whatever assistance may be needed.
Please note that Fountain House housing is available only upon acceptance into Fountain House as a member.
For more information about the Housing Program at Fountain House, please email us.
