A Brighter Space for Hope and Healing

When Connie York first stepped into Unity House’s Ithaca-based respite apartments two summers ago, she saw more than the space in front of her. She saw what it could become.

“I knew immediately that when the time came, I wanted this program to move to a location that offered the people we support a larger, brighter, and more modern space,” Connie said.

As Program Manager for Unity House’s Mental Health Crisis Respite program, Connie began working with local landlords and Unity House leaders to explore what might be possible.

Today, that vision has become reality.

Crisis Respite offers short-term housing for people experiencing a mental health crisis. As an alternative to hospitalization, the program gives people a place to regain stability while building the skills, confidence, and connections that can help them move forward. The program’s new Ithaca apartments give residents more room to do just that.

“Our new site finally makes that possible,” Connie said. “There are spacious bedrooms, brighter living areas, updated kitchens, on-site laundry, and easier access to transportation. We even have a bus stop right outside their front door to support community access.”

For resident Jon, that access has opened new possibilities.

Jon came to Unity House following a hospital stay. Diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and social phobias, and having never lived on his own, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

“At first, I didn’t know how much support I was going to get,” Jon said. “But it’s been great. I’m doing better, and being here in this space opens up more opportunities for me. I’m in therapy, I’m learning bus routes … the team here has been great to talk to every week. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be right now.”

Helping people take those next steps is at the heart of the program. Unity House’s peer specialists and senior counselor work one-on-one with residents to build stability, strengthen daily living skills, and pursue goals that matter to them.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work our team does each day,” Connie said. “They provide peer support, connection to community resources, and extensive rehabilitation skill-building — all to help people not only recover from a crisis, but seize the opportunity to transform their lives.”

Peer Specialist Thomas Yarbrough has worked at Unity House for eight years. He has seen that transformation firsthand in Jon.

“Jon is someone I’m really proud of,” Thomas said. “At first, he just needed someone to lend him a hand and help build confidence. Then, he just took off. He’s going to therapy, joining clubs, exploring volunteer opportunities … he’s putting himself out there, and I’m excited to see where he goes and what happens next.”