To learn more about the Neighborhood Navigators program, please contact us at 212-423-5733 or neighborhoodnav@thebridgeny.org

Neighborhood Navigators

Purpose

The Neighborhood Navigator Program aims to assist community members in reducing the risk that their current behaviors may have and supporting them in achieving the goals they set for themselves. We collaborate with community-based organizations, residents, and the NYPD to help individuals experiencing homelessness, substance and mental health disorder connect with vital services they may need.

Navigators will focus on relationship-building, they will meet people “where they are” and – in time – serve as the liaison between clients, services and resources across organizations, city agencies, and systems.

History

The Neighborhood Navigator Program was launched in 2023 by The Bridge and funded by the District Attorney of New York (DANY). DANY works with the City University of New York and Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG), The Neighborhood Navigator program was created to address the needs of individuals living and/or spending significant time on the street in four high needs Manhattan neighborhoods. Clients served by this program are unhoused/ chronically homeless, have a history of behavioral health / and or a substance use disorder.

Manhattan has a large population of individuals who either live on the streets or spend a significant amount of time on the streets. The results of the NYC Department of Homeless Services’ most recent annual survey last January produced an estimate of 3,439 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Many of these individuals are experiencing significant mental health and/or substance abuse challenges, and many if not most have experienced periods of chronic homelessness. Most of these individuals are not violent, and indeed are disproportionately likely to be victims of violent crime themselves.

The Neighborhood Navigator Program is Manhattan based, focusing on four high need neighborhoods (Lower East Side (LES)/ Chinatown, Central/ East Harlem, Chelsea/Hell's Kitchen/ Midtown West, & Washington Heights/ Inwood).