Corinthian's Path Toward Independence

The NCS Residence, our Upper East Side supportive housing facility, is home to 65 individuals who have a history of homelessness. Most live with mental illness, often accompanied by substance use. Many of the residents have been living there for decades, some since we opened The Residence in the mid-80s. It is their permanent home and will continue to be so for life.

Corinthian is different.

Corinthian moved into the NCS Residence in 2016 at the age of 23. He spent years living in shelters and came to NCS angry and depressed. But he began working with the case managers at NCS and his mood and outlook on the world began to change. 

When Corinthian was hired as a custodian at a family shelter in the Bronx in 2018, working full-time gave him a sense of responsibility. The job became even more important to him this year as he took pride in being an essential worker and loved being able to go out and safely interact with others. 

“I get up every single morning and have somewhere to be. I am starting my own life,” he shared. “It’s a good feeling to go outside and to be needed somewhere. It feels good to clean, to do the right thing, and to get paid for it.”

Shortly after starting the job, he began dating his girlfriend, who he has now been with for more than two years. Corinthian credits the stability provided by his employment with enabling him to be in a long-term relationship. He plans to move out of the NCS Residence and to get an apartment with his girlfriend in the coming months. 

We are so happy for Corinthian and cheer him on as he continues his journey toward independence.