How we talk about HousingPlus clients: An overview of person-first or person-centered language
Why is it important?
HousingPlus works with people who have been historically marginalized. Many tenants and participants are people who have been systemically deprived of resources or viewed with bias, including people of color, non-binary or gender-nonconforming people, people with serious mental illness, and people with a history of substance abuse.
“Having nice affordable permanent housing helps you do so much more.” – HousingPlus tenant
The HousingPlus mission is to provide community-based housing and comprehensive services, especially for women and families, to support them so that they can build lives of stability and realize their goals.
To move people from homelessness to housing, we use an approach called Housing First. Housing First works from the premise that for additional support and interventions to be successful, a person first needs the stability of a home. Click to read more.
Recently, journalist Vanessa Freeman visited one of our HousingPlus locations providing transitional supportive housing for previously incarcerated individuals (or those with other justice-involvement). We invite you to check out this great story featuring two of our residents in our facility in the Bronx, who are using the opportunity of stable housing to work on their future goals and build a better life after jail or prison.
Mary loves having a kitchen in her apartment in one of HousingPlus’ transitional supportive housing units, though it took her some time to get used to.
Mary was formerly incarcerated, and when she transitioned to life after being in prison, she moved to an apartment with HousingPlus in one of our transitional supportive housing units. These apartments are set aside for people who have had involvement with the justice system. They are meant to be places to stay while individuals reestablish a means of obtaining steady income, maintaining sobriety, improving their mental health, and working on other important goals. Many people move from our transitional housing units to a permanent place of their own within a year.
Shadequa is a HousingPlus tenant and Veteran. Today, she serves on our Board of Directors. After her time serving in Afghanistan, Shadequa experienced serious mental health complications as a result of post-traumatic stress syndrome and related issues of depression and anxiety. When she came to HousingPlus, she found what she describes as the “best apartment” she’s ever lived in. Shadequa’s story is a wonderful example of how housing can be the first step to a brighter future.
We are proud to announce that City & State is honoring Dr. Mathlyde Frontus, Chief Program Officer at HousingPlus, with the #ResponsibleRecognizing civic-minded leaders who selflessly serve New York. This list recognizes civic-minded leaders who selflessly serve New York. Read more.
Senior staff welcomed tenants to enjoy lunch, games, raffles, and music in the park on October 14, 2024. HousingPlus was excited to host its Annual Tenants’ event on a beautiful day this fall.
Our fall event continues a yearly tradition of gathering outdoors with the women and families that reside in our buildings. We’re so excited to share some images from the day with you. Click here to see more.
Rita Zimmer, Founder of HousingPlus, has announced she is moving on—or as she calls it “reinventing myself.”
HousingPlus seeks a Chief Executive Officer who, during this pivotal time, will sustain what we have accomplished and help us to broaden our reach to serve even more individuals and families in New York City. Click to learn more.
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