Hall-Brooke Awarded HUD Housing Grant

WESTPORT — Hall-Brooke Behavioral Health Services has been awarded $750,000 from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD), under the McKinney-Vento Continuum of Care Programs, to provide 12 new units of supportive housing for persons with chronic behavioral health disorders.

The grant funds 12 scattered-site one-bedroom apartments in the greater Bridgeport area for homeless persons who need support services for psychiatric problems and/or substance abuse, and training in development of independent living skills.

The award was announced recently at Hall-Brooke’s main campus at 47 Long Lots Road, Westport, by US Rep Christopher Shays. Congressman Shays succeeded the late Stewart McKinney, long-term representative from Connecticut’s Fourth District, who co-authored the bill under which the grant was given.

With the support of state and federal financial grants, Hall-Brooke already operates 16 multifamily homes in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Southport, Westport, and Norwalk for residents who are chronically mentally ill. Hall-Brooke’s Homestead Residential Services program provides community-based housing and 24-hour support from Hall-Brooke’s mental health professionals. This makes it possible for residents to live independently with dignity, and to function productively in the community.

Funds awarded to Hall-Brooke under provisions of the McKinney-Vento Bill have supported the Homestead Program in the past, including in the purchase of 12 of the supportive multifamily housing units.

Hall-Brooke has provided mental illness and/or substance abuse treatments for children, adolescents and adults, as inpatients or outpatients, for 104 years. It opened new hospital facilities in 2001 on its 24-acre site in Westport. It is the only treatment center in the region with an inpatient program for children. Hall-Brooke also operates therapeutically oriented Seton Academy, on its campus, for children who are unsuccessful in their home district schools because of behavioral concerns. Hall-Brooke serves the Bridgeport community, including a bicultural, bilingual program for Latinos, at The Center, 2400 Main Street, Bridgeport.

Hall-Brooke is a wholly owned subsidiary of St Vincent’s Health Services, Bridgeport, and is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry of Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.