Breaking Ground (formerly Common Ground) Information

Breaking Ground’s success in ending homelessness is built on a housing model that serves individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. For the chronically homeless, we create safe, secure housing, with essential on-site support services to help them address the psychosocial, mental, and physical health problems that are obstacles to independent living. For individuals who find themselves at the edge of homelessness, our affordable housing provides an all-important safety net. Today, Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with wraparound services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness. But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.