Our Model

BHC believes that high quality permanent housing is key to tapping the virtues of sustained, thriving community for children, families and single adults. Permanent housing allows roots to take hold, bolsters individual, familial and communal strength, forges connections to neighborhood services, school and religious institutions, and encourages independence.

BHC’s successful housing model is distinguished by several factors:

Our tenancy is integrated, including the healthy and disabled, the young and elderly, the employed and dependent. Residents include those with mental disabilities, HIV/AIDS and other chronic health conditions and many in recovery from addiction. It is our experience that integrated communities provide strong networks for those in need.

Since our beginnings, we have partnered with community organizations to provide comprehensive support services to all tenants. Services include medical and mental health care, vocational training and job placement, substance abuse treatment, benefits counseling and training and assistance with independent living skills.

Our model is premised on a belief that tenants should be responsible for the quality and character of their own housing. At each site, a front desk management team staffed by tenants employed on a part-time, paid basis provide around-the-clock coverage and address the needs of fellow tenants. Nearly one quarter of our tenants participate in the front desk management system, including teenagers.

We seek to actively engage and support the neighborhoods we serve, extending our resources to the community and encouraging tenants to become full participants in community life.