HISTORY OF BROOKLYN GARDENS

BCHS has believed since its inception that homelessness occurs when an individual who is already vulnerable is isolated from a wider community. Thus, when the individual experiences a severe personal crisis it becomes overwhelming as there is no support network to help him or her manage the situation effectively. In response, BCHS has always worked to help those in need build the networks of personal support that are essential to survival and well-being. In essence, bringing people from isolation and crisis to community and stability.

To help fulfill this vision, in 1984 BCHS was awarded monies to begin planning Brooklyn Gardens, the first multi-population homeless housing facility in the State. In 1991, Brooklyn Gardens was opened, providing 180 units of both transitional and permanent housing with services for mothers with children (Arbor Inn), for single adults with severe and persistent mental illness (Ivy House) and for single adults with low incomes and/or chronic mental illness (Oak Hall).

Brooklyn Gardens was designed to encourage the development of community. Each facility opens into a common courtyard complete with park benches, chess tables, flower beds and gardens, and barbeques; in comparison most housing facilities for the homeless open directly onto the street. Residents gather each morning over coffee, to chat and talk, to share information, tell stories, joke and just to say hello. Children play with each other and a wide range of activities are organized, such as our Easter Celebration (including a very popular Easter egg hunt), Halloween costume party and Veteran's Day memorial.

Further, the units in each facility are designed to be part of a suite - 4 or 5 single, private rooms opening to a common living area and kitchen. Residents learn how to share, develop relationships, set boundaries and resolve conflict. BCHS staff regularly facilitates activities and suite meetings between roommates to encourage interaction, minimize friction and negotiate differences. This is a powerful modality that enables residents to achieve a more lasting and rapid independence, and gives them skills they can utilize in other areas of their lives. 

Through this approach, residents begin to feel a sense of "normalcy." For individuals who have been stigmatized or marginalized based on their histories on the street, in shelters, or in the hospital, the ability to successfully take part in these activities helps them recognize they are autonomous human beings capable of functioning effectively in the world. The agency strongly believes this self-esteem - along with the concrete interpersonal skills learned by being a member of a community - makes the likelihood of maintaining long term and stable housing much greater.

In 1993 BCHS' Brooklyn Gardens was given the FannieMae Foundation Maxwell Award for Excellence in low-income housing development, and in 1996 the agency was honored by the New York State Homeless Housing Assistance Program for "outstanding contributions" in innovative housing for the homeless. Brooklyn Gardens has also been cited by Progressive Architecture Magazine for its unique vision while receiving awards from the Metropolitan Life/Enterprise Foundation.