Mission

Our Mission:
Nazareth Housing is committed to the promotion of housing stability and economic independence among poor families and youth of New York City, through the provision of:

*transitional shelter
*homelessness prevention services
*self-sufficiency education
*supportive housing

We provide temporary shelter for the homeless as well as permanent housing for the formerly homeless, elderly and specialy-abled

Nazareth Serves low-income area residents, teenage parents, the homeless and others struggling to support themselves and their families. Our clients are most often single young mothers with children under 3 years old. The majority are Latina and African American the ages of 18 and 30, who are coping with a range of social problems.

In 2006 we have seen an increase of working poor families, including those where both parents are residing together, often forced into shelter housing due to economic and domestic issues.

Programs

We work with each residential family to develop an independent living plan. Individual needs are determined. One-on-one counseling provides help to families with little to no other supports in their lives.

Clients are referred to specialized agencies for food and clothing needs; family problems such as sexual abuse and domestic violence; vocational counseling and job training; higher education, child care and health needs.

Nazareth 's Social Workers help clients to develop life skills in areas such as parenting, nutrition, family planning and money management. Head of households are counseled about job readiness and the next steps toward employment. A Housing Specialist works with each family to help them qualify for housing subsidies and find adequate permanent housing. Nazareth Housings recreation activities and holiday celebrations strive to promote family unity.

Once linked to permanent apartments, Nazareth's furniture donation service provides each family the necessities to set up a new living environment.

Walk-in clients often seek emergency relief from Nazareth for needs such as eviction avoidance or funeral expenses. A high proportion of walk-in clients seek housing assistance.

Nazareth Housing manages and maintains one building of 14 apartments as well as maintaining 17 scattered site apartments. Of these 31 units in Nazareth's program, 27 provide limited supportive services as part of permanent housing and 7 provide full supportive services to 9 families in temporary shelter.