From Our Chief Medical Officer: Addressing New York City's Mental Health Crisis

Dear Friends,

Serious mental illness is one of the primary causes of chronic homelessness in our city. Institutions that should provide a strong network of support—hospitals, shelters, and rehab programs—are often siloed and unable to meet individuals’ complex needs. Too often, New Yorkers who need mental health care fall through the cracks.

When these systems fail, Project Renewal steps up. Our health programs target the most serious cases. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed medical and mental health services. We work toward stability and independence for our clients, while creating innovative programs that fill the gaps caused by the fractured system in which we work.

Our recent milestones in mental health care include: opening the city’s first Support and Connection Center; breaking ground on the Barbara Kleiman Men’s Shelter; and scaling up our comprehensive psychiatry services for clients like Heather and Luis. Additionally, we are tearing down Midtown East’s New Providence Shelter so we can redevelop it as modern, purpose-built housing and shelter for women with mental health concerns.

Your support enables us to innovate and advocate, while continuing to provide housing, health care, and job training to New Yorkers with serious mental illness at our programs throughout the city.

On behalf of our clients and staff, thank you!

Sincerely,

Miranda Von Dornum, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Project Renewal