By: Ryan Duey

The Be Able Community, a nonprofit organization in Manhattan helping those in need, has completed its three supportive houses, adding a transformational housing assistance program to its operations.

Chad Wormstadt, Housing Director, said this program is for men in need of a second chance. Wormstadt said the housing initiative has been a goal of Be Able for a long time.

“We have seen the need for this type of housing for a long time. Not just to house people, but to help them along in their lives. We will work to identify their hang-ups, addictions, and things that have affected their life in a negative way.”

“We want to be able to identify those things and create a program and way of living this out.”

“They’re going to be surrounded by a case manager, a mentor or sponsor, and myself to help them stay accountable to those things. So, we can really make that difference in their life.”

Wormstadt said they plan to start slow with a few men, with the end goal of offering these services for up to 28 men at a time. He envisions clients staying in the housing program for six to twelve months, helping to ensure they get the resources they need.

As a nonprofit, the program runs off grants and community support. Wormstadt said that while monetary donations are always welcome, they really are in need of positive male mentors.

“A lot of the community buy in, and ways that people can help are not just monetarily, but by being mentors. We know that it’s such a blessing to these guys to have somebody who really cares about them and takes an interest in their lives.”

“But also, just the amount of satisfaction that somebody would get by getting to know these guys; understanding their experiences, seeing their strengths, and the hope that they carry as well.”

The continued success of Be Able and this new initiative depends on community support. To learn more about Be Able’s new housing program or to help through mentoring or other means, visit www.beablecommunity.com.