March 2024 Happenings & News

Many of CAMBA's programs aim to help individuals and families struggling with health challenges find relief and support with CAMBA’s compassionate care, case management, and counseling.

Since 2012 CAMBA's Health Homes program has been able to serve more than 3,100 clients across Brooklyn, many of whom are low-income, unstably housed or homeless, are living with serious mental illnesses or disabilities, and are inadequately connected to community services. In order to address their individual needs, CAMBA takes a holistic approach to client care and partners with community resources to improve clients' overall health and well-being.

Antoinette, CAMBA Health Homes Client

For many clients like Antoinette, the health challenges they're facing can have devastating ripple effects on other areas of their lives.

“Before I came to Health Homes, I was a mess. I was unemployed and had no income. I could not afford my rent, so I always owed my landlord," recalls Antoinette.

In addition to assisting clients like Antoinette with much-needed medical and mental health services, our Care Coordinators provide clients with a connection to various social care resources, including but not limited to: housing and rental and/or utility arrears assistance, immigration support, legal support, education, and employment.

CAMBA Health Homes was able to help Antoinette secure supplemental security income and guide her through the housing application process which can be daunting for many.

"I’m not good with computers, so I couldn’t do the application myself," added Antoinette. "My Care Coordinator Janet took the time to sit down and help me."

Janet also referred Antoinette to CAMBA’s HomeBase program, where she received help with her rental and utility arrears — and she finally received the housing voucher, which provided her with support to meet her monthly rent.

Antoinette now has housing stability, which is the first step to moving forward to build a happy and stable life.

"Janet has been with me through thick and thin. She referred me to a therapist and I feel a lot better. It feels good to have someone in my corner. I would be lost

without Health Homes and Janet."

Our annual race with NYCRUNS in Prospect Park - The NYCRUNS Prospect Park 5K & 10 Miler Benefiting CAMBA - is right around the corner!

On Sunday, April 14, neighbors and friends will lace up their running shoes and hit the scenic paths of Prospect Park to raise money for CAMBA...will you join us and help make a difference?

Your support helps CAMBA impact the lives of more than 65,000 people a year. With 180 programs, you can make it possible for CAMBA to keep families facing homelessness from being evicted, provide food for the hungry with our Beyond Hunger Emergency Food Pantry, bring literacy classes and job training programs for immigrants and low-income adults, and support after school and college prep programs to ensure our youth are on track for a successful future.

Here's how to join the 5K or the 10-Miler:

• You can register to run in the race directly with CAMBA and support CAMBA’s Programs here.
• You can register for the race with NYCRUNS.
• After registering you can also make a donation and encourage your friends and family to donate as well here.
• Once you have registered for the race you can go to 'Run this One' on the NYCRUNS site and set up a fundraising page so you can reach out to your friends and family to support your run for a great cause!

Not a runner? Support the race by making a donation here.

Please join us in racing for CAMBA. Together we can build a stronger, more vital and inclusive NYC!

The Horticultural Society of New York (The Hort) recently held a therapeutic soap-making workshop for CAMBA clients at the Livonia Commons supportive housing development in East New York, Brooklyn. The residents made moisturizing soaps, using lemongrass to add fragrance to the soaps and various cornflowers to decorate the bars.

Livonia Commons is one of CAMBA’s supportive housing developments, where CAMBA provides life-changing social services alongside safe, healthy housing for low-income and formerly homeless individuals and families with special needs. Livonia Commons residents have challenges including mental illnesses, HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders or other chronic and disabling health conditions. CAMBA's services help them to maintain their stable housing and independent lifestyles.

CAMBA’s NaviGAYte Brooklyn 2.0 program celebrated Black History Month and National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with a Black Love and Resilience Symposium. Black Love and Resilience (BLR) is an event meant to uplift Black Queer voices in the community while also educating the community about HIV prevention and stigma.

BLR was held at the Major R. Owen’s Center in the Betty Carter Auditorium. The event had three panels discussing Black Love and Resilience, HIV awareness, and Black Trans Love. During the event, BLR had performances from local queer artists Saint Sigh, Professor M, and Harriet Tugsmen. After the panels and performances there was an open stage/mic for Black Queer members of the community to come and showcase their talents. Overall there were 80 people in attendance.

This is the second year for BLR, officially making it an annual event that will be run by NaviGAYte Brooklyn and the rest of CAMBA’s Brooklyn Outreach and Prevention programs.