In a landmark effort to combat homelessness and support individuals with severe mental illness, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has revealed the details of a historic $650 million plan, introduced during the recent State of the City address. This comprehensive initiative aims to provide extensive care for the city’s most vulnerable populations, focusing on innovative solutions like the newly announced Bridge to Home program.
The Bridge to Home model, spearheaded by NYC Health + Hospitals, will create a supportive, home-like environment for patients with serious mental illness who are ready for hospital discharge but lack stable housing. By offering intensive treatment, psychiatric support, and comprehensive services, this initiative seeks to reduce hospital readmissions, emergency room visits, and reliance on shelters, while lowering interactions with the criminal justice system. The program is set to launch in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and will be fully operational by FY27, providing up to 100 beds for those in need.
Mayor Adams also announced plans to dramatically expand resources for unsheltered individuals. The city will add 900 Safe Haven shelter beds and 100 beds for runaway and homeless youth. These facilities offer intensive wraparound services and are part of the city’s Street Homeless Solutions Plan. Additionally, the administration is launching a $30 million pilot program aimed at ensuring no child is born into the city’s shelter system. This initiative will connect expectant parents applying for shelter with resources to secure permanent housing, preventing homelessness and fostering stability.
“For far too long, unhoused New Yorkers, particularly those with severe mental illness, have been overlooked,” Mayor Adams stated. “With Bridge to Home and an unprecedented investment in street homelessness solutions, we are taking bold, compassionate action to help those in need while making New York City a better place for families.”
NYC Health + Hospitals CEO Mitchell Katz, MD, praised the plan, emphasizing the transformative potential of Bridge to Home. This comprehensive approach reaffirms New York City’s commitment to addressing homelessness and advancing behavioral health, creating a pathway to stability for its most vulnerable residents.
Join the Community and Be a Part of the Conversation
You must be logged in or registered to post a comment.