NYC launches housing for health initiative to benefit over 1,200 patients

NYC Health + Hospitals has successfully provided stable housing for over 1,200 patients and their families through its innovative Housing for Health initiative.

This program not only aims to alleviate the housing crisis but also recognizes that “the chronic health issues of unhoused individuals cannot be treated without stable housing.”

The initiative is part of a broader strategy under Mayor Eric Adams’ “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal, which aspires to create up to 108,850 new homes over the next 15 years.

This historic investment underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis head-on.

“Having a home is crucial to the good health of our patients,” stated NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. He emphasized the holistic approach the system takes by saying, “We treat the whole person, and housing is a great prescription for myriad health conditions.”

The Housing for Health initiative provides support for patients experiencing homelessness by assisting them in gathering necessary documents, completing paperwork, and identifying housing opportunities. Participants are placed in affordable or supportive housing, paying no more than 30% of their income towards rent, and are connected to ongoing healthcare services.

“Affordable housing has become increasingly hard to find in New York City, and the global pandemic exposed the extent of the housing crisis hurting our most vulnerable communities,” remarked U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. She praised the Housing for Health initiative for recognizing that stable housing is essential for treating chronic health conditions.

Leora Jontef, NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President of Housing and Real Estate, expressed pride in the initiative’s success: “We are so proud to have housed over 1,000 patients and their families, and we are eager to support the next 1,000 find their new home.”

The initiative aims to create over 650 new affordable homes on hospital land, enhancing access to healthcare services. Notable projects include the Comunilife Throop Residence in Brooklyn, which will soon be ready for occupancy, along with several other developments set to commence construction in the Bronx and Manhattan.

Dr. Talya Schwartz, President and CEO of MetroPlusHealth, highlighted the critical role of stable housing in maintaining good health: “With proper, affordable housing that offers comfort and safety, individuals can truly thrive.”

DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park echoed this sentiment, stating, “Stable, affordable housing is a prerequisite for good health and a proven way to minimize extended and repeated hospital stays for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.”

Stephanie Marrone, a patient who benefited from the program, shared her personal success: “Having my own apartment again is remarkable. My blood pressure hasn’t been this good in 30 years! It’s a beautiful apartment, and I love my new neighborhood. This is the perfect place for me to restart my life.”

In 2023 alone, NYC Health + Hospitals provided care for over 72,000 patients experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. The Housing for Health initiative not only seeks to enhance participants’ lives but also aims to reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits, aligning with Mayor Adams’ vision for housing and homelessness.

The initiative’s strategies include housing navigation services, medical respite beds for frail patients, and dedicated land for affordable housing, all aimed at creating a robust support system for those in need.

For more information about NYC Health + Hospitals and their Housing for Health initiative, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org.

About NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation, serving over a million New Yorkers annually across more than 70 locations in the city. With a diverse workforce of over 43,000 employees, the system is dedicated to empowering all New Yorkers to lead the healthiest lives possible.