Jericho Project: Turning Housing Into A Healthy Home For The Homeless In New York
During its more than 40 years of helping people experiencing homelessness in New York City, Jericho Project has learned to see housing as a launch pad, not a landing pad.
Author:Paolo ReynaReviewer:James PierceOct 18, 2026
During its more than 40 years of helping people experiencing homelessness in New York City, Jericho Projecthas learned to see housing as a launch pad, not a landing pad. That understanding has led the nationally acclaimed social services provider to adopt an approach centered on providing both housing and the individualized support that helps people thrive once they are housed.
“Having a safe and permanent place to call home is transformative, but housing is only the foundation for stability, not the end of the journey,” says Tori Lyon, CEO of Jericho Project. “People experiencing homelessness often face challenges that don’t simply disappear once they receive the keys to their new home. The next step is making sure they have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to remain stably housed and build the life they want for themselves.”
With more than 30 years of experience in the supportive housing sector, Lyon has led Jericho Project’s strategic planning, fundraising, housing and program development, and executive management. Under her leadership, the organization has developed more than 700 units of permanent supportive housing, launched a nationally recognized Veterans Initiative, and significantly expanded its reach — more than quadrupling the number of people served since 2010. Lyon’s career has been defined by a commitment to evidence-based solutionsthat address homelessness at its roots while delivering measurable, long-term outcomes for individuals and families.
Jericho Project Helps People Achieve The Stability Needed To Remain Housed
A safe home gives someone much more than shelter. It provides the stability from which almost everything else becomes possible. Jericho Project helps people achieve that stability so they can begin taking care of their health, maintaining employment, reconnecting with family, pursuing education, and planning for the future.
“For someone who has experienced homelessness, the stability that comes from a safe home is especially important,” Lyon explains. “Simply placing someone in an apartment without addressing the challenges that contributed to or resulted from homelessness can leave them vulnerable to housing instability again. That’s why we focus not only on helping people become housed but also on helping them remain housed and build lasting stability.”
Jericho Project improves stability by providing employment and career services that help individuals build skills, prepare for and secure employment, and increase their economic independence. It also connects its residents with health and wellness resources and provides case management and other supportive services that help people address barriers to long-term stability. For families and young adults, case management can mean helping strengthen family relationships and creating the conditions for greater stability across generations.
“There isn't a single path that everyone follows after experiencing homelessness,” Lyon says. “Each person comes to us with different strengths, needs, and goals, so our services are designed around the individual.”
Jericho Project’s Supportive Housing Program Provides An Innovative Path To Stability
Supportive housingis an innovative type of social service that combines housing with on-site services to help individuals achieve stability. It is a holistic service model that provides the individualized support people need to maintain their sobriety, heal from the traumas they have suffered, and rebuild relationships with their families, as well as the intensive services required to secure and maintain employment.
“Supportive housing recognizes something very important: housing and services are most effective when they work together,” Lyon says. “Jericho Project combines permanent, affordable housing with individualized support that’s readily accessible to residents. Rather than waiting for someone to reach a crisis, our teams build relationships with residents and work alongside them to identify their goals and address challenges before they threaten their housing stability.”
Jericho Project provides permanent supportive housing through nine congregate residences across Brooklyn, Harlem, and the Bronx. The organization also recently expanded its supportive housing portfolio to include the Logan Fountain Residence in Brooklyn and the newly opened Melrose residence in the Bronx, adding another 78 units of permanent supportive housing and bringing the total to approximately 825 units, including 140 scatter-site units serving individuals and families throughout the city. The facilities and services the organization offers give residents both the security of a permanent home and the support they need to remain there and move toward greater independence.
For Jericho Project, permanent housing provides the foundation while its individualized services, experienced staff, and long-term relationships with residents help turn housing into lasting stability. Lyon and her team don't define success simply as moving someone into an apartment. Rather, success is helping people maintain that home, pursue their own goals, and move forward with greater stability and independence.
“Our 95% housing-retention rate reflects more than four decades of experience and a very simple principle: we meet people where they are and stay focused on what each individual needs to succeed,” Lyon says. “Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to end someone's experience of homelessness, but to make sure they don’t have to experience homelessness again.”
Paolo Reyna
Author
Paolo Reyna is a writer and storyteller with a wide range of interests. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.
Paolo enjoys writing about celebrity culture, gaming, visual arts, and events. He has a keen eye for trends in popular culture and an enthusiasm for exploring new ideas. Paolo's writing aims to inform and entertain while providing fresh perspectives on the topics that interest him most.
In his free time, he loves to travel, watch films, read books, and socialize with friends.
James Pierce
Reviewer
James Pierce, a Finance and Crypto expert, brings over 15 years of experience to his writing. With a Master's degree in Finance from Harvard University, James's insightful articles and research papers have earned him recognition in the industry.
His expertise spans financial markets and digital currencies, making him a trusted source for analysis and commentary. James seamlessly integrates his passion for travel into his work, providing readers with a unique perspective on global finance and the digital economy.
Outside of writing, James enjoys photography, hiking, and exploring local cuisines during his travels.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles