The Alpha Community Services YMCA, a Bridgeport area pioneer in providing services dedicated to the homeless, has been a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA since 1992. As part of the Y, Alpha Community Services has grown and expanded its services, striving to provide not just temporary shelter but also a path to a better life for those experiencing homelessness. We manage the largest family emergency shelter in Connecticut and provide supportive services to over 400 clients each year.
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Alpha Community Services YMCA offers services to clients referred by Connecticut’s statewide system for addressing chronic homelessness, the Coordinated Access Network (CAN). Through CAN referrals, Alpha Community Services provides Family Navigation; Emergency Shelter focused on families; Permanent Supportive Housing; Supportive Services to Veteran Families and also has been instrumental in creating and sustaining the Bridgeport Housing First Collaborative. All Alpha CSY services include Case Management enriched through partnerships with a variety of community organizations. Alpha CSY provides specialized services to clients facing housing insecurity, as such, complies with all applicable privacy and confidentiality standards, including but not limited to, those of HUD, DOH, DMHAS, and HMIS.
Alpha Community Services YMCA provides case management services to all its clients. Case Managers provide support and crisis intervention for the clients. They link residents, both adult and youth, to mental health, substance abuse, employment, medical resources, educational opportunities and other services in the community. Case Managers assist families in the path of self-sufficiency.
In addition to offering support services through the case management model, ACS Y has developed its own programs for its clients: Workshops for Effective Parenting Skills, STD/HIV prevention, Dental Hygiene, Health and Wellness, Job Readiness, Eviction Prevention, and Financial Planning, among others.
Some of the activities for children include Summer Camp, Safety Around Water, swimming at the Y, arts and crafts activities, educational workshops, Read Across America day, Homework Assistance and Mentoring Programs.
387 Clinton Avenue serves as the Alpha Community Services YMCA (ACS-Y) Administrative Office. Located in the West End of Bridgeport, the three-story building was built in 1895. Case management and client group sessions supported by grants and the ACS-Y Annual Campaign are also conducted at this site.
Alpha Community Services YMCA operates the largest family shelter in Bridgeport and is the largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Connecticut!
It’s been a very demanding year and Alpha Community Services YMCA has led the charge to address the needs of the entire community.
During the worst of the Connecticut Covid-19 pandemic, the YMCA led with innovation, providing additional services:
As much as we all enjoyed our premiere fundraiser and the beautiful walk with our friends and family, from Captain’s Cove through St. Mary’s by The Sea, we have met an additional challenge of bringing our community together in a safe way for our 19th Annual Walk to End Homelessness. We are creating a virtual walk culminating with an exciting virtual special event sponsored by Star 99.
All our friends, family and members of our community will design and complete their walk on their own time, with donations and support from family and friends. We’re excited to share walk routes and pictures, which will inspire all of us. We are asking walkers to complete their Walk before October 3, 2020 to accommodate our exciting signature event. To participate in the 19th Annual Walk Challenge please click to register. If you can please send pictures and videos of your walk to walktoendhomelessness@gmail.com.
On October 3, a live streaming simulcast will air from 5-6pm, both on Alpha Community Services YMCA Facebook page and on ZOOM, to raise awareness and donations for the Y. The one hour event will feature video vignettes showcasing the Y and client stories,
We are fortunate to have several local celebrities playing a big part in this year’s streaming event; Tony Dovolani, of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fame, Carl Pavano, former New York Yankee star pitcher, Javier Colon, past winner of NBC’s ‘The Voice’ and Walter Luckett, local basketball legend. The event will include Alpha Community Services Y Leaders sharing the Y history and experiences, and:
We hope that everyone can watch and enjoy our virtual festivities!! Click to Register.
With a growing unstable economy and financial uncertainty of many Fairfield County households, our work is far from done. We are inviting you to join our 19th Walk to End Homelessness and play an important role in this vital event. We need your support now more than ever. Please sign up and help us reach our goal of $150,000. Corporate Sponsorships are also available please contact Carmen Colon, Vice President Bridgeport Ys. Donate Now!
