Brooklyn Community Housing and Services

What Brooklyn Community Housing and Services does

Brooklyn Community Housing and Services (BCHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1978 by concerned citizens and clergy in Downtown Brooklyn to address the emerging homelessness crisis. Headquartered at 105 Carlton Avenue in Brooklyn with additional offices in Downtown Brooklyn, BCHS provides supportive housing and social services to more than 1,000 formerly homeless and at-risk children, women, and men annually. The organization operates five core housing programs: Arbor Inn (short-term housing for 44 homeless mothers with children), Ivy House (18-bed transitional residence for single adults with serious mental illness), Oak Hall (74-unit permanent SRO housing for chronically homeless adults), Navy Green (permanent supportive housing opened in 2012 on the site of a former U.S. Navy jail), and the Scattered-Site Apartment Program (one of the first such programs in the country, established in the early 1980s). Each program integrates case management, mental health counseling, nursing care, vocational training, and substance abuse services, with BCHS reporting a 96% housing retention rate and 88% of its budget directed to programs and services.

BCHS's business model is funded through government contracts with the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS), NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), and the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), supplemented by foundation grants (Robin Hood, The van Ameringen Foundation, Brooklyn Community Foundation), individual donations, and annual fundraising galas that raised $408,547 in 2024 and over $470,000 in 2021. Residents do not pay for services; housing is provided at no cost through government agency referrals via the CAPS system. The organization is currently executing a major growth strategy involving three co-development projects—BACA (291 units), Pacific Street (240+ units), and Kingsbrook Estates (320+ units)—that will collectively add more than 850 new supportive and affordable housing units to Brooklyn, alongside a $12 million renovation of its historic Brooklyn Gardens facility. Underlying technology consists of standard social service case management and referral tracking systems rather than proprietary platforms.

Name

Brooklyn Community Housing and Services

Legal name

Brooklyn Community Housing and Services

Website

https://bchands.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Brooklyn Community Housing and Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1978 that provides supportive housing and social services to 1,000+ formerly homeless and at-risk individuals annually across Brooklyn through five housing programs, funded primarily by NYC government contracts and foundation grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Supportive Housing Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities (623220)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI)

Keywords

• Supportive housing services
• Homeless services
• Affordable housing
• Case management services
• Mental health housing

Headquarters

HQ city

Brooklyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Funding and Grants: BCHS receives funding from NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS), NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), and other government sources. This includes per-resident funding allocations, capital for renovations, and program-specific grants.
2. Donations and Fundraising: The organization raises funds through annual galas (Pathways to Home, Feels Like Home), direct donations, and grant awards from foundations. The 2024 gala raised $408,547.06 and the 2021 virtual gala raised over $470,000.
3. Foundation Grants: BCHS receives grants from foundations including Robin Hood ($25,000 Fuel for 50 award), Brooklyn Community Foundation, and The van Ameringen Foundation ($225,000 over 3 years for Fresh Start initiative).

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

BCHS provides supportive housing and integrated social services for formerly homeless and at-risk individuals, families, and single adults in Brooklyn, NY. The organization operates short-term, transitional, and permanent housing programs (Arbor Inn, Ivy House, Oak Hall, Navy Green, Scattered-Site Apartments) paired with case management, mental health counseling, substance abuse services, vocational training, nursing care, parenting skills, and aftercare support. Residents are referred at no cost primarily through NYC Department of Homeless Services, NYS Office of Mental Health, and NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development.

Product overview

Brooklyn Community Housing and Services (BCHS) is a non-profit supportive housing organization offering multiple interconnected housing programs and services. The organization operates through several core housing programs including Arbor Inn (short-term housing for homeless mothers with children), Ivy House (transitional residence for adults with mental illness), Oak Hall (permanent SRO housing), and Navy Green (permanent supportive housing). Additional services include the Scattered-Site Apartment Program, Fresh Start Initiative for mothers with mental illness, and the Aftercare Program providing post-graduation support. BCHS is also developing new housing projects including the Brownsville Arts Center and Apartments (BACA), 2435 Pacific Street, and Kingsbrook Estates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Navy Green: Permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless men and women with mental illness and history of substance abuse, and for low income working adults. Opened in 2012.
• Brooklyn Gardens
• Brownsville Arts Center and Apartments (BACA)

Products and services

• Arbor Inn Short-term housing program for 44 homeless mothers, each with one child up to the age of eight, providing case management, mental health counseling, on-site recreation, nursing care, support groups, parenting skills, household budgeting sessions, and vocational training.
• Ivy House An 18-bed transitional residence for single adults with serious mental illness, often the first step back into community living after long-term psychiatric hospitalization, offering case management, mental health counseling, medication management, daily living skills training, substance abuse services, nursing services, and recreational activities.
• Oak Hall A permanent single-room-occupancy (SRO) housing facility serving 74 men and women who have been homeless or are at high risk of homelessness, with most having chronic mental illnesses and recovering from substance abuse, offering case management, vocational training, recreation, socialization, mental health counseling, on-site nursing, and substance abuse counseling.
• Navy Green Permanent supportive housing opened in 2012 for formerly homeless men and women with mental illness and history of substance abuse, and for low-income working adults from the community, providing case management, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, nursing care, vocational training, and wellness activities.
• Scattered-Site Apartment Program One of the first scattered-site apartment programs in the country, renting apartment units in private residential buildings where BCHS holds the lease and places individuals with mental health diagnoses who may have been homeless, offering both permanent and transitional housing with individualized care from case managers.
• Fresh Start Initiative An initiative funded by a $225,000 three-year grant from The van Ameringen Foundation, designed to maximize well-being, stability, and independence of homeless families by providing expert Family Clinician therapy, support groups for domestic violence survivors, and mental health trainings for staff.
• Aftercare Program Program launched in 2021 to help formerly homeless families who graduate from the Arbor Inn Program transition to their own apartments, providing up to a year of dedicated support including monthly check-ins, childcare assistance, a 24/7 hotline, emergency financial assistance, and a laptop or iPad upon graduation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% of formerly homeless residents maintain housing with BCHS or move to greater independence each year
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and supporting.

• Urban Architectural Initiatives (UAI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2023UAI Architects partnered with BCHS on Brooklyn Gardens renovation plans, presenting at the 2023 Corporation for Supportive Housing Summit on 'Preserving & Modernizing 1st Generation Supportive Housing' alongside BCHS CEO Jeff Nemetsky.
• Authentic Brands Group (ABG)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023ABG's Women's Inspired Network (WIN) hosted a food drive at Navy Green, providing groceries and pastries to residents along with recipe books.
• Blue Sea Development CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2022Lead developer for the Brownsville Arts Center and Apartments (BACA) project with BCHS providing social services. BACA will provide 291 units of affordable and supportive housing with a Cultural Arts Center.
• Gilbane Development CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2022Co-developer for the Brownsville Arts Center and Apartments (BACA) project providing 291 units of affordable and supportive housing.
• Artspace ProjectscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2022Partner for BACA development bringing expertise in arts and cultural space development to the project featuring a cutting-edge Cultural Arts Center.
• Alembic Community DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Co-developer with BCHS on Brooklyn Gardens $12 million renovation and the 2435 Pacific Street project (240+ units) in East New York, focusing on families and domestic violence survivors.
• Love Fellowship TabernaclecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Co-developer with BCHS and Alembic Community Development for the 2435 Pacific Street project providing 240+ units of affordable and supportive housing for families in East New York.
• Monadnock DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Co-developer with BCHS for Kingsbrook Estates project (320+ units) in East Flatbush focused on seniors and veterans, and has provided pro bono renovation work for Brooklyn Gardens gardens.
• CB Emmanuel RealtycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Co-developer with BCHS and Monadnock Development for Kingsbrook Estates providing 320+ units of affordable and supportive housing for seniors and veterans.
• Baxt/Ingui ArchitectssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 March 2022Provided pro bono architectural services for Brooklyn Gardens garden renovation including bluestone, pavers, new plantings, and custom benches.
• SAGEsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2019BCHS is assisting SAGE with opening Ingersoll Senior Residences by helping low-income older adults navigate the application process for 145 units of affordable, LGBT-friendly housing.
• Kings County Tennis League (KCTL)minorOthers · 1 May 2018Partnered to launch tennis program for children at Brooklyn Gardens using USTA's Net Generation curriculum, focusing on basics, hand-eye coordination, and weekly physical exercise.
• Impacct BrooklyncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Multi-faceted partnership for Navy Green development - permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals with mental illness and substance abuse history.
• Dunn Development Corp.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Development partner for Navy Green permanent supportive housing project serving formerly homeless individuals and low-income working adults.
• L+M Development PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Development partner for Navy Green supportive housing development representing innovative mixed-use development including affordable and market-rate housing.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH): National nonprofit intermediary that funds, advocates for, and convenes the supportive housing industry — recognized BCHS's Navy Green as an Eastern Region Project of the Year finalist and hosted the 2023 summit where BCHS presented. Indirect peer as a funder, convener, and advocacy partner rather than a direct service provider.

Direct peers

• WIN (formerly Women In Need): NYC's largest family homeless shelter provider, operating shelter and supportive housing programs serving homeless families with children. Directly comparable to BCHS's Arbor Inn and scattered-site programs targeting homeless mothers with children in NYC.
• Care for the Homeless: NYC nonprofit providing comprehensive health care and supportive housing for homeless individuals and families, with a strong emphasis on integrating clinical services into housing. Comparable model to BCHS's integrated housing-plus-services approach.
• HELP USA: National nonprofit operating transitional, permanent supportive, and affordable housing across multiple cities including NYC. Comparable operating model to BCHS, with similar reliance on government per-resident funding and foundation grants.
• Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS): NYC nonprofit operating supportive housing and clinical programs for homeless adults with mental health and substance use issues, including the highly regarded Concord High School program and scattered-site supportive housing — closely matches BCHS's SRO and scattered-site model.
• Project Renewal: NYC nonprofit operating supportive housing, mental health treatment, and workforce programs for homeless and mentally ill adults. Strong overlap with BCHS's Ivy House and Oak Hall models serving adults with serious mental illness.
• Breaking Ground (formerly Common Ground): Major NYC nonprofit supportive housing provider operating multiple SRO and scattered-site buildings serving formerly homeless individuals with mental illness and substance use histories. BCHS's Navy Green and Oak Hall programs are directly comparable to Breaking Ground's portfolio.
• Services for the UnderServed (S:US): Large NYC nonprofit providing housing, behavioral health, and employment services to disabled and homeless individuals. Operates multiple supportive housing residences directly comparable to BCHS's portfolio and competes for similar DHS/OMH funding.
• ACMH Inc. NYC nonprofit providing housing and clinical services for adults with serious mental illness, including supportive housing residences. Directly comparable to BCHS's Ivy House and Oak Hall programs serving mentally ill adults.

Emerging players

• The Doe Fund: NYC nonprofit operating transitional housing and workforce development programs for homeless and formerly incarcerated adults, with a distinctive "Ready, Willing & Able" training model. Comparable population focus (homeless adults, many with history of incarceration and substance abuse) to BCHS's Oak Hall and Navy Green.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/bchands/videos?sort=dd&view=0&shelf_id=0
• Facebookfacebook.com/bchands.org
• Instagraminstagram.com/bchands_org

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Brooklyn Community Housing and Services