The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $8,906,646 to the Jericho Project, a nationally-acclaimed nonprofit organization dedicated to combating homelessness in New York City. The funding is part of HUD’s effort to address street homelessness among unsheltered individuals in cities and rural communities.
Over a three-year grant period, Jericho Project plans to serve 90 unsheltered homeless individuals annually. The funding is part of the $60 million distributed by HUD to the New York City Continuum of Care (CoC) for the Unsheltered Homeless Initiative, overseen by the Department of Homeless Services and applied for by the Department of Social Services.
Using its Rapid Rehousing Program, Jericho will work to quickly move individuals and families into affordable apartments provided by sympathetic landlords within its network. In addition to securing housing, Jericho will offer ongoing counseling to tenants, helping them manage their finances and maintain housing stability.
The program will provide Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) to participants, and HUD will provide long-term vouchers at the conclusion of the TFA period to ensure long-term housing stability.
To support the program, Jericho will hire 15 staff members who will provide intensive case management services, clinical therapy, housing assistance, and other supportive services. The program is set to begin on July 15th.
Jericho Project has a successful track record in Rapid Rehousing, having served 450 veteran families in 2022, with 170 of them moving into permanent housing. On average, Jericho was able to secure permanent housing for other households within 30 days.
Currently, Jericho provides over 600 units of housing in eight residential buildings in the Bronx and Harlem, designed to promote sustainability and community well-being. They also facilitate stable housing for families throughout the city, with a range of studio, one-bedroom, and multi-bedroom apartments.
With a focus on addressing social inequities, Jericho Project empowers individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity by providing housing and person-centered services. Over the past 40 years, Jericho has made a significant impact by offering supportive housing and counseling services to those experiencing chronic homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse.
