When you consider poverty, one of the issues that generally comes to mind is homelessness. So many are one medical emergency or job loss away from being in danger of losing housing. For those already living in poverty, the odds of this reality drift even closer. And that’s one side of the coin – the very real possibility of experiencing homelessness. The other side is, of course, those who already are.
For one specific demographic, Catholic Charities is working to reverse homelessness and offer wraparound care through Permanent Supportive Housing. Funded through Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), Nole’s Court and Angela’s House are affordable permanent living situations for older adults aged 55+ with chronic health issues and who have been experiencing homelessness.
Through Nole’s Court and Angela’s House, Catholic Charities provides case management for ESSHI tenants, connecting them to medical care, mental health resources, community services, and employment opportunities. Additionally, monthly events at Nole’s Court, such as karaoke and health awareness workshops, help foster connections among tenants.
Melanie Rickets, MSHS, MFT, senior director of Catholic Charities’ Social Care & Supportive Housing, has said the housing programs bring a sense of stability and dignity for residents, offering them the mental and emotional bandwidth to truly focus on their wellbeing. The impact has been profound.
“When someone no longer has to worry about where they’ll sleep at night, there’s a noticeable shift. Survival mode softens, and there’s finally space to breathe and plan what comes next. People are able to focus on their health, keep appointments, and engage more consistently with medical and behavioral health supports,” she said. “I’ve watched individuals reconnect with loved ones, rebuild trust, and find their way back into relationships they thought were lost. Over time, they also begin to see themselves as part of a community. They form connections with neighbors, participate in shared spaces, and regain a sense of belonging. Having a safe place to call home gives people the stability they need to heal at their own pace, rebuild confidence, and rediscover purpose. It’s often the turning point that allows everything else to finally come together.”
It’s this kind of transformation that Ricketts has seen time and again that shows Permanent Supportive Housing works – all to the betterment of not just individuals’ lives, but the community at large.
“Programs like Noles Court and Angela’s House demonstrate that when housing is paired with the right supports, people can and do thrive. These programs are an investment in health, stability, and community wellbeing,” she said. “The people we serve are resilient, caring, and hopeful, even after everything they’ve been through. When we start at a place of compassion and recognize housing as a basic human need, we create the space for people to heal, reconnect, and move forward, and our entire community becomes stronger because of it.”
Ricketts noted that there are many ways for the community to support housing initiatives like Nole’s Court and Angela’s House, from advocating for affordable housing and supporting organizations doing the work at the ground level, to simply reducing stigma around homelessness by leading with compassion.
“One of the most common misconceptions is that people experiencing homelessness are somehow different from the rest of us, or that their situation defines who they are. Homelessness often comes from circumstances many of us could face – an illness, a job loss, a family crisis, or trauma – rather than a lack of effort or desire to do better,” she said. “Simple acts of kindness and learning more about the realities of homelessness make a meaningful difference. When communities come together to support housing solutions, everyone benefits.”
To learn more about Nole’s Court or Angela’s House and to see who qualifies for supportive housing, please visit ccwny.org/permanent-supportive-housing.
