NEW BRIDGE PLACE

ORGANIZATION HISTORY

Newbridge Place was founded in 1998 by our current Executive Director, Erzsebet Mikita. Newbridge became a nonprofit agency in 2006 with the mission of providing housing and care for low-income individuals with mental health disabilities, with a particular focus on veterans. We currently serve 26 residents across three locations.
All our residents have been clinically diagnosed with mental illnesses, and many also face physical challenges. They come from five adjacent counties, but majority of our veterans are referred to us from the Cleveland VA Hospital. We have a strong track record of preventing our residents from returning to hospitals, jails, or homelessness by offering 24-hour care from dedicated and trained staff.
Newbridge Veterans Place was specifically created in 2016 to serve very low-income, homeless veterans living with mental illness. Our goal is to improve their quality of life by providing a safe, clean, and welcoming living environment, along with leisure activities that enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being. Due to financial constraints, this vulnerable population often lacks access to quality care, leading many to cycle between homeless shelters, incarceration, psychiatric hospitals, and transitional housing.
All three of our residential care facilities are licensed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and certified by the Veterans Administration through its Community Residential Care (CRC) and Medical Foster Care programs.
At Newbridge Place, we believe that every individual suffering from chronic mental illness and homelessness deserves access to affordable housing and comprehensive support services that foster recovery and independence.

Poor mental health can significantly affect a person’s daily life, relationships, social interactions, employment, and finances, making life more challenging and stressful. These difficulties may lead to broader issues such as substance abuse, isolation, deteriorating physical health, and homelessness—factors that further increase vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.

Individuals with mental disabilities who are unable to live independently and rely on limited income, such as Social Security Disability benefits, often struggle to afford quality supportive housing. Unfortunately, Medicaid does not offer programs that adequately address their needs. While Medicaid provides extensive supportive housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities, similar benefits are not available for those with mental illnesses.

Additionally, veterans are at an especially high risk of experiencing chronic homelessness. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, between 48% and 67% of homeless veterans suffer from mental health disorders. Those who do not receive VA benefits often lack the income or resources to afford supportive housing, essential services, and medical or mental health treatment. As a result, many end up hospitalized, incarcerated, or homeless. The 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress revealed that on any given night, 605 veterans in Ohio experience homelessness.

While a few federal and state programs are dedicated to reducing homelessness amongst veterans, Newbridge stands out with its passion and capacity to serve those veterans, who cannot function independently due to their persistent and severe mental illnesses.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The supportive Housing for Low Income, Mentally Ill Veterans project was started in 2016 and aims to provide affordable housing for mentally disabled clients, who are not only struggling financially, but also unable to function independently. The program has a significant impact on the Greater Cuyahoga County community by providing a safe and stable living environment for people who may otherwise be homeless or living in inadequate conditions.

The goals of Supportive Housing for Low Income Mentally Ill Veterans program are:

1. Decrease the number of homeless and disabled veterans residing in shelters or on the streets by eight at any given time.
2. Offer both transitional and permanent supportive housing, and 24-hour care to mentally ill veterans.
3. Reduce hospitalization and incarceration of this program participants by 90%.
4. Ensure that participants are provided with appropriate medical care, therapy, and appropriate mental health care.
5. Obtain, maintain, and increase resources to provide services for participants

The total program budget is $250,000 annually. We provide the following wraparound services to participants:

• 24/7 Supervision & Crisis Support – Prevents housing instability by ensuring residents receive immediate assistance for mental health or daily living challenges.
• Medication Management & Health Monitoring – Supports residents in adhering to prescribed treatments, reducing hospitalizations and health-related crises.
• Case Management & Healthcare Coordination – Connects veterans with mental health services, primary care, and benefits to improve overall stability.
• Nutritional Support – Ensures consistent, healthy meals to address food insecurity and promote wellness.
• Transportation Assistance – Provides access to medical appointments, job training, and essential errands, removing a key barrier to independence.
• Work & Independent Living Support – Assists with employment readiness, financial literacy, and life skills training to help veterans transition toward self-sufficiency.
• Housekeeping & Daily Living Support – Helps maintain a clean and structured living environment, reducing stress and promoting stability.
• Substance Abuse Management & Recovery Support – Provides oversight and referrals to prevent relapse and sustain long-term housing success.
• Social & Recreational Activities – Encourages community engagement and mental wellness, reducing isolation and enhancing quality of life.

By integrating these support services into our housing program, we address the root causes of homelessness among veterans, ensuring they not only have a place to live but also the tools and resources to maintain housing stability and improve their quality of life.

Although program revenues, $130,000.00 annually, cover more than half the program expenses, we are dependent on resourceful supplemental fundraising, including support from foundations, individuals and organizations, to provide vital services for our residents.

Newbridge Place does not receive any state or federal funding.
To be able to continue this program, Newbridge needs to raise $120,000 annually.