Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness
Volunteers of America’s Reception Center is a 46-bed, specialized program of services for homeless men who have been living on the streets, in subways, transportation terminals or other inappropriate locations and are considered “service-resistant.” These individuals are unable or unwilling to take advantage of traditional shelter services and programs due to severe and persistent mental illness, an untreated medical condition, or advanced age.
The Reception Center is recognized as a model program for preparing highly service-resistant homeless individuals for independent living. Using a progressive demand setting in which services are offered based on individual needs, clients are able to take advantage of services at their own pace, which heightens their independence and commitment to their goals. Program goals emphasize placement in housing or rehabilitative settings within six months.
Clients are referred to the Reception Center by Volunteers of America’s outreach teams, outreach teams from other agencies, drop-in centers and assessment shelters. The Reception Center’s own Specialized Outreach Team makes regularly scheduled tours of the community to identify individuals in need of services and encourage them to accept help. The team also assesses and follows up on referrals made by community members.
Upon admission to the Reception Center, clients receive meals, showers and clean clothing, along with specialized case management services, including the development of an individualized treatment plan. The program assists clients in successfully managing their disabilities, taking advantage of services, and enhancing independent living skills.
Services Offered at the Reception Center
The program model utilized at the Reception Center offers:
- Individual training in activities of daily living
- Entitlements advocacy
- Medical evaluation and treatment
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Support and psycho-educational groups
- Individual counseling
- Art therapy
- Therapeutic recreation
- Money management training
- Substance abuse counseling
- Dual diagnosis program for mentally ill chemical abusers
- Work experience program
- Peer counseling
- Aftercare
A Range of Services for the Homeless
Volunteers of America has developed a continuum of care, from street outreach services to permanent housing, designed to adequately prepare clients to address the causes of their homelessness and help them make the transition from living on the streets to obtaining the services needed to live independently. Volunteers of America is the largest provider of homeless services in the region, serving more than 26,000 homeless individuals each year.
For further information on Volunteers of America’s Reception Center, please contact:
Program Director, (212) 481-4610, ext. 203. Fax: (212) 481-4577.
Reception Center
400 East 30th Street, 2nd Floor, West Wing
New York, NY 10016
This program is made possible through grants from the New York City Department of Homeless Services.
