Harison PROJECT
Citizen Advocates’ transformational initiative for the heart of downtown Malone achieved key milestones during the course of 2020. Most notable was the completed purchase of eight properties that will be the eventual site of what is referred to as the Harison Place Project. The development on West Main Street in the Village of Malone includes street-level commercial storefronts with 40 units for supportive and low- to moderate-income housing. Construction will fit aesthetically with existing downtown style and architecture.
“This initiative remains a beacon of hope as we endeavor to replace blighted, decaying properties with safe, stable and affordable housing and commercial space,” said James Button, CEO of Citizen Advocates. “Large scale investment in projects like this is all the more important at a time when economic stimulus is needed in our communities—now more than ever.”
There was additional good news in the form of funding awards as well. Citizen Advocates was proud to receive a $500,000 grant through the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. This follows funding awards from state agencies, and a commitment from Citizen Advocates to invest $6.7 million in the project as well.
While the largest piece of funding — $4.8 million — was recently secured in 2021 by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), Citizen Advocates is actively working with a variety of state agencies and private funding sources to secure the remaining finances needed to complete the project. The total project cost is $24 million.
“Large scale investment in projects like this is all the more important at a time when economic stimulus is needed in our communities—now more than ever.”
CITIZEN ADVOCATES EXPANDS INTO LARGER CLINIC SPACE IN MASSENA
In April 2019, Citizen Advocates opened an integrated Behavioral Health Clinic in Massena to provide St. Lawrence County residents greater access to much-needed services.
Fast forward one year, and the organization moved its clinic into a newer, expanded space located at 16 Phillips Street offering outpatient mental health and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Since opening the new clinic in Massena, over 780 patients have received treatment in the first year alone, and the number is expected to grow with increased access to vital services. In fact, the size of the new clinic is nearly 3,500 square feet, which is almost twice the space offered at the 25 Hospital Drive location.
“While many of us adjust our lives during this national public health emergency, Citizen Advocates is ready to serve the mental health and addiction needs of St. Lawrence County,” said James Button, Chief Operations Officer at Citizen Advocates. “If you’re in crisis, come see us. We also offer tele-mental health to our patients so they are able to receive the same, leading-edge care from wherever they are.”
In addition to providing access to high-quality services and skilled staff at a convenient location, the clinic also addresses key health needs currently present in the community. According to the 2019 St. Lawrence County Community Health Assessment:
Hospitalization rates for mental health treatment exceeded the statewide average.
Hospitalization for mental health treatment doubled between 2008 and 2016.
Drug overdose death rates doubled between 2013 and 2016.
Hospitalization rates for substance abuse, alcohol-related diagnoses, and opiate overdoses in Massena exceeded the statewide average by 171 percent.
The Citizen Advocates integrated Behavioral Health Clinic is located at 16 Phillips Street in downtown Massena. Clinic hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. For an appointment call 315-764-8076.
“There is without question, an unmet need for these essential services in St. Lawrence County, and by expanding our presence in Massena we are eliminating some of the barriers individuals face when seeking access to mental health or addiction treatment,” said Mr. Button. “More so, we are grateful for the strong and positive response we have received from the community since opening our clinic.”
