Transforming Lives: Inside New York City’s Permanent Supportive Housing Movement

Our neighbor Lily Gottfried created a short film exploring the origins of Permanent Supportive Housing and the St. Francis Residences.

At St. Francis Friends of the Poor, our mission to permanently house vulnerable New Yorkers with serious mental illness comes to life with the support of compassionate neighbors.

Our community's generosity takes many forms. Our neighbor Lily Gottfried created a short film, "Stand By Me – The Birth of Supportive Housing," that speaks to the homelessness crisis in New York City. It explores the origins of Permanent Supportive Housing and its success in helping formerly homeless individuals with serious mental illness to be healthy and housed.

Lily took the initiative to create the film as an intern last fall. She used her passion for storytelling and empathetic spirit to bring our tenants' stories to life. She continues to volunteer at the St. Francis Residences. Thank you, Lily, for your hard work and dedication!