NYS launches two new addiction resources

The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) recently unveiled two new resources: a new toll-free telephone “hopeline” and a website where New Yorkers recovering from addiction can tell their stories.

The hopeline – 1-877-8-HOPENY – offers confidential assistance for alcohol, drugs and gambling problems from trained professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The website initiative, IAmRecovery.com, highlights stories of recovery from alcoholism, drugs or problem gambling.


Individuals can submit their stories online, anonymously, about their experiences with their own or a loved one’s struggle towards recovery.

Sentencing commission calls for reform

The Commission on Sentencing Reform issued its final report yesterday calling for major reforms of New York's drug laws. The report includes a number of recommendations of significance to Odyssey House, given our new parolee program and resources as a community services provider.

The plan would, among other things, double the existing weight requirements for most major felony drug sale and possession crimes, make many lesser first-time felony drug offenders eligible for probation or a jail term rather than mandatory prison, and expand parole as an option for convicted offenders.

“New York must continue to reserve costly prison resources for high-risk, violent offenders while making greater use of community-based alternatives to incarceration,” the report says.

Odyssey House is a strong proponent of alternatives to incarceration: Our newest program at Edgecombe is designed to provide intensive services to parole detainees with the aim of returning them to their communities and engaging them in further addiction treatment.

Save the Date! 4th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Fun Run/2 Mile Walk

Mark your calendar! Our annual run/walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 26th. Please join us in celebrating National Recovery Month!

East Harlem Supportive Housing Development: Construction Update #1

Construction is progressing rapidly on the 50-apartment, long-term housing development at 123rd Street in East Harlem. The building will provide a supportive, independent living environment for individuals who have overcome mental health problems and drug, alcohol and/or significant medical conditions.

The main structure was completed in early 2009 and is scheduled to open in September. An architectural rendering of the building is available in our Fall 2007 Newsletter.

February 2009

Odyssey House broke ground on on the project in July 2007. Below are photos showing the progression of the construction from the groundbreaking through winter 2008.

Summer 2007: The site after the property was cleared and the ground leveled.

Summer 2008: Site work began with trenching.

Early Fall 2008: The foundation coming out of the ground.

Fall 2008: The foundation walls.

Fall 2008: The framing is almost complete.

Late Fall 2008: Working on the masonry walls.

Winter 2008: Completing the third floor.

For more information about the building, as well as photos from the July 2007 groundbreaking ceremony, please click here.