Policy and Advocacy

Lantern Organization is committed to ending homelessness and advancing the recovery of people living with severe mental illness and substance use disorder. Lantern and our peers in New York City have led the nation in the development of permanent supportive housing over the last two decades. Yet, over this time the rate of homeless has risen sharply, despite declining in other cities. 

Homelessness is a Housing Problem

New York City continues to have a rate of homelessness over 5 times greater than Chicago, Miami, and Dallas.  New York City and other places with high rates of homelessness have one thing in common: a housing shortage. We do not have enough housing and we do not build enough housing. Our housing production rate in New York is one fifth of places like Austin, TX and Seattle, WA. We will only stop homelessness if we start building homes.

Lantern is honored to participate in New York’s pro-housing movement, including the New York Neighbors Coalition.

Key Legislation

The Right to Recovery from Severe Mental Illness

Lantern’s permanent supportive housing is more than just a home, it is an opportunity for people with serious mental illness and substance use disorder to recover and thrive.  Lantern supports efforts to advance compassionate intervention programs serving the needs of individuals suffering from anosognosia and neurological conditions which prevent them from participating in live saving care and services. From permanent supportive housing to the streets, we believe every person deserves the right to recover.

Key Legislation

Policy Coalition Partners

A group of approximately fifteen people are gathered in a room, engaged in a brainstorming or workshop session, with several individuals writing on whiteboards while others observe or participate from their seats.