Robin Hood Grants $520,000 to the Jericho Project Helping Formerly Homeless Individuals to Rebuild Their Lives

NEW YORK, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Robin Hood, a public charity which targets poverty in New York City by funding and partnering with the best and most effective programs to get maximum results, has renewed its generous $520,000 to the Jericho Project, the nationally acclaimed nonprofit ending homelessness at its roots. The funding will support Jericho's effective work in enabling formerly homeless individuals to attain stable housing, get and keep jobs, reunite with their families and transform their lives for the better.

Jericho Project has helped thousands to not only gain stability but also to set and achieve goals for education, employment, vocations and personal relationships.  For example, Jericho's Workforce Opportunities program has enabled Jericho residents to discover their passions and develop careers around those interests, build confidence and stand out among job candidates and employees. 

A key part of Jericho's work is its Veterans Initiative serving nearly 200 veterans with stable housing and access to these and other services enabling them to transition from the military to civilian life. 

The personal struggle and success of a veteran and single mother who is participating in Jericho Project Veterans Supportive Apartment Program, Q-Tara Henry, was featured in a video screened at Robin Hood gala on May 9th, which focused on veterans before an audience of 4,000.  The first of Jericho's two Veterans Residences to open this year, "Fordham Village – A Jericho Project Veterans Community" is opening May 23rd and will provide unmatched supportive housing and counseling towards employment, family reunification and mental health - for 56 men and women veterans including those with special needs.

"Jericho is a valuable partner in our work to reduce homelessness and poverty among New Yorkers.  We have seen how Jericho resident, including our City's veterans, not only get on with their lives but are able to make them fulfilled and purposeful ones," said Robin Hood Executive Director David Saltzman.

Jericho Project serves nearly 550 individuals and families in five meticulous residences and supportive apartments in the New York area and provides access to comprehensive counseling for employment, education, financial, medical or psychological resources to help them meet their needs and achieve their goals.

Additionally, Robin Hood is providing $300,000 to Jericho for its work as part of Robin Hood's Home to Stay program.  This pilot program is designed to help New York City families that are prone to repeated homelessness.  As one of four agencies participating in Home to Stay, Jericho brings its expertise in working with chronically homeless individuals towards the program's goals of keeping families together and supporting adults in getting and keeping employment.

"We are delighted that Robin Hood has renewed its commitment to this important program to help families facing complex challenges to stability and experiencing episodic homelessness," said Jericho Executive Director Tori Lyon added.

For over 28 years, Jericho Project has enabled thousands of men and women, many of whom have experienced chronic homelessness and substance abuse, to redirect their lives and achieve their greatest potential.  Jericho's model of supportive housing and counseling services has enabled 95 percent of its graduates to achieve independent living. www.jerichoproject.org  

SOURCE Jericho Project