Alliance Against Homelessness

Founded in 1989, AAH was the inspiration of a mental health consumer who wandered the streets of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. It was his vision to create a predominantly self-sufficient community of comfortable and inexpensive housing for other homeless individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness. It was also his hope that this program would enable the tenants to work for the facility under the supervision of qualified staff.

	Presently AAH owns four homes in Bergen County which provide a home for 15 individuals. Technically, the homes are "group homes" with a supportive housing component. They are licensed by the State of New Jersey. They receive approximately 2 hours of coverage each day, seven days a week. The Alliance Against Homelessness employs consumers of mental health services who are themselves individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness. These Peer Counselors have earned a certificate by Consumer Connections and receive ongoing supervision and training by licensed mental health professionals.

	AAH professionals are qualified and trained to handle psychiatric emergencies and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These Peer Counselor positions allow the employee to legitimately remain on Disability benefits while they receive a supportive level work experience. Their skill and supportive presence is based on the therapeutic value of one consumer helping another.

	The AAH Board of Trustees consists of mental health consumers and professionals of various disciplines. As an organization, we hope to enhance the lives of tenants, staff and Board members alike. Empowerment of the mental health consumer is a goal of AAH. Decisions on the Board are made collaboratively between consumers and non-consumers.

BRIDGEHAVEN HOUSING PRESENTATION
Click here to download a Powerpoint Presentation

AWARDS
Recipient of the "EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD" from the Mental Health Association of NJ for the year 2002.

EVENTS
AAH 2003 Barbeque (Click on the pictures to enlarge. Pictures will open up in a new window)