HOPE for the Homeless
As in past years, SUS is once again contributing to the HOPE (Homeless Outreach Population Estimate), NYC annual homeless count. This year, the event will take place tonight, Monday, January 30, 2012, from 10:30PM to 4:00AM. A number of SUS staff members have voluntarily signed up in this important city-wide initiative to count the people who are living in our streets and other public places within the boroughs of New York City.
In 2010, SUS held a press conference to highlight the growing homeless in NYC on the eve of HOPE. Donna Colonna, SUS’ CEO, was interviewed by David Ushry earlier that night on the WNBC Nightly News.
Supportive and stable housing has proved to change people’s lives in the long term. Studies have shown that stable housing is a cornerstone for the treatment of health related issues. It allows people to access comprehensive healthcare and to adhere to complex therapies, thus helps increase individuals’ independence, dignity and sustainability. On a larger scale, by helping individuals return to a more self-sufficient status, supportive housing reduces the social cost of shelters, hospitals and other institutions.
SUS is committed to providing and maintaining supportive housing for vulnerable people who are facing problems such as mental illness, substance abuse or HIV/AIDS. Many of our consumers have made significant improvements to their quality of life, including employment, with the help of our housing program.
If you are keen on helping this homeless count event, registration is still available. If you want to support our housing program, please visit our donation page. With your support, we can continue to provide essential help to those in need.
