Odyssey House wins second supportive housing award

The New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance AbuseServices (OASAS) has selected Odyssey House to receive $375,000 in annual funding to provide 15 two-bedroom units of permanent supportive housing.

The apartments will provide supportive housing to homeless families completing residential drug treatment, connect them with aftercare treatment for substance abuse and other essential supportive services, and help them work toward independent living. 

“Transitioning from residential treatment to independent living can be very difficult for our clients. This grant will enable our clients to secure safe, affordable housing without jeopardizing their recovery,” said Dr. Peter Provet, president of Odyssey House. 

Through the use of the OASAS “Two-Phase Approach” to program development, the apartments will initially be located in individual sites throughout Manhattan. The second phase will be to develop and build a single congregate site where all apartments can be located.

OASAS awarded Odyssey House a similar grant in January (pdf), increasing our housing capabilities for homeless families by 35 units this year.

Celebrating 10 years of discovery through art

Odyssey House and global strategic branding firm Siegel+Gale celebrated ten years of creating art by members of the Odyssey House Art Project, men and women coping with substance abuse, mental illness, and homelessness.  This was the first curated show of paintings, photographs, and masks from an art collection a decade in the making. 

Dr. Peter Provet, president of Odyssey House, said: “The creation of art plays a critical role in the rejuvenation of the human spirit and provides a way of reaching sensitive issues embedded in the human psych. We encourage unschooled artists in treatment to identify archetypal themes such as childhood, family, and spiritual wholeness.

“This new show explores ‘Home’ as a place where we reside spiritually, physically and psychologically.  All too often home for our clients is a transitory and undefined place of dysfunction that limits their ability to lead fulfilling and healthy lives. Developing a new vision of ‘Home’ is central to a strong recovery. Reaching a place of security and well-being within themselves prepares our clients to complete treatment and craft a functional and socially responsible life.”

“This exhibition reveals the stories of a community of resilient individuals in recovery, and brings to light a body of work with power enough to engage and inspire us all,” said Justin Peters, Global Executive Creative Director. “Given Siegel+Gale's focus on helping organizations and individuals reach their true potential, we’re truly honored to host this celebration of creativity and join in marking the ten-year anniversary of this program."

To see more photos from the reception, visit our Flickr page.