Our History
1978
Our Founding
In 1978, passionate local clergy form Pastoral and Education Services (PAES), which eventually becomes Brooklyn Community Housing & Services (BCHS), to combat homelessness in Brooklyn.
1980
Pioneering Scattered-Site Housing Program
BCHS pioneers one of the first Scattered-Site Apartment Programs in the United States, providing housing opportunities in private apartments throughout the borough for formerly homeless individuals with mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
1987
Creating Community at Brooklyn Gardens
To create additional housing in Brooklyn, BCHS takes over an abandoned building and develops Brooklyn Gardens, a u-shaped complex that houses multiple populations of residents. With its shared courtyard and common spaces, Brooklyn Gardens isn’t just housing – it’s a groundbreaking model for inclusive living and cultivating community.
1996
BCHS Wins Funds to Expand Vocational Training
BCHS wins federal funds to begin a number of workforce development and vocational training efforts for its clients and local Brooklyn residents.
2002
Scattered Site Apartment Program Expands
The Scattered-Site Apartment Program expands, providing additional housing in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, Borough Park, Brownsville, Crown Heights, Coney Island, East New York, Flatbush, Gowanus, and Prospect Heights.
2006
Tailored Supports for Key Populations Established
BCHS implements an internationally recognized program to address the needs of two growing client populations, formerly incarcerated individuals and formerly homeless seniors. Clients receive specialized resources to help sustain independence and maintain stable housing.
2011
Preventing Homelessness in Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Housing Assistance Center (BHAC) is founded as an eviction prevention initiative to help low-income tenants in the Borough remain in their homes. Addressing both immediate crises and long-term housing stability, the BHAC offers rental arrears assistance, landlord mediation, legal help, and mental health evaluations.
2012
Navy Green Opens its Doors
Navy Green, a 97-unit single room occupancy (SRO) building, is unveiled across from the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Navy Green, a collaboration with IMPACCT Brooklyn, provides both supportive housing and affordable community units for formerly homeless and low-income adults.
2019
The Fresh Start Initiative is Created
The Fresh Start Initiative is created to support departing Arbor Inn family shelter residents. The program provides families with access to a clinician and transitional aftercare supports for up to one-year post-shelter.
Present and Beyond
BCHS Continues to Expand
BCHS continues to provide housing and services for over 1,200 individuals and families annually and has plans to further expand. With three sites in various stages of development, BCHS will add over 800 units of supportive and affordable housing to the Brooklyn community in the coming years.
