History of Homes for the Brave & ABRI

1998

Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (ABRI) was established in Connecticut, with the organization’s first full year of operation being fiscal year 2000.

2001

By securing funds from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Connecticut Department of Social Services, corporations, and foundation, ABRI purchased and renovated 655 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut to meet the needs of homeless Veterans and non-Veterans.

2002

ABRI opened Homes for the Brave, a 42-bed transitional living facility for homeless male Veterans and non-Veterans. Of the 42 beds, a contract with the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) supports 5 beds for homeless individuals. Homes for the Brave designates the remaining beds for Veterans served by VA CT Healthcare.

2003

ABRI began a partnership with The WorkPlace, Inc. to provide educational and vocational services to homeless Veterans. Funding for this program was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. Since 2005, this partnership has led to the development of additional job training services.

2004

ABRI received funds to purchase and operate a Permanent Supportive Housing Program in Bridgeport from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Melville Foundation. The Waldorf Supportive Housing Program, which opened in July 2005, is a three-story residence that provides 9 units of permanent housing with case management services. Case management services are provided offsite, and all the residents utilize these essential support services.

2010

Opened in 2010, the Homes for the Brave Veterans’ Service Center offers services to meet the immediate basic needs and referrals to meet the long-term needs of any homeless Veteran. Veterans may drop in to meet with a staff member between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

2011

Based on the organization’s success and the current needs of homeless Veterans, ABRI/Homes for the Brave expanded its programs to serve female homeless Veterans. Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes is the first community-based transitional supportive housing program dedicated to homeless female Veterans in the State of Connecticut. This program opened in November 2011.

TODAY

To date, ABRI/Homes for the Brave has served over 1,450 men, women, and children, most of whom are Veterans. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters, we continue to provide housing, vocational training, life skills coaching, and more to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Learn how you can help our staff, residents, and community to shape the future of ABRI/Homes for the Brave.