April is Fair Housing Month, celebrating the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and familial status. However, At The Fortune Society, we understand that many individuals in our community still face housing discrimination due to their legal system involvement.  

Fortune’s supportive and affordable housing facilities intend to serve individuals in our community who may otherwise face housing discrimination. Our housing locations, including the Fortune Academy, Castle Gardens, and Mandaela Community, provide unique supportive services for building residents, offering critical support after incarceration.  

The Mandaela Community is in Morrisania, the Bronx, in the Trinity-Reverend William James Senior Apartments. Mandaela offers on-site services to Fortune participants, particularly system-impacted seniors.  

Grant has lived at Mandaela for over three years now. Before moving in, he stayed at a shelter in Queens, where he connected with a case manager who referred him to Fortune for housing assistance. With help from Fortune staff and his case manager, the housing application process was fairly simple.  

“My case manager worked closely with everyone to fill out paperwork, and they helped me prepare for the interview,” Grant explained. “After the interview, they gave me a tour of the apartment and told me I was accepted to move in. It was all very easy for me.”  

Shortly after completing his housing application and interview, Grant was able to move into his new home. On move-in day, he received assistance from Fortune staff who helped Grant settle into his new apartment. While Grant brought in his personal items, he moved into a furnished apartment, including a bed frame, dresser, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, and other essentials. 

As a resident of Mandaela for several years, Grant has established a community with other residents in the building and Fortune staff. He keeps busy by attending a weekly men’s group, taking computer classes and spending time at a nearby adult center. Grant also has a home attendant who assists him two or three days a week, ensuring he has the care he needs.  

“We have recreational activities, a gym and outdoor area, and I attend my men’s group on Thursdays,” Grant explained. “We all come together and talk about our concerns, how we’re doing and what’s been going on for us.” 

Additionally, Grant appreciates Mandaela’s location, as he has easy access to transportation, several grocery stores, the Fortune Fresh Food Pantry, and other valuable resources nearby.   

“When I have things to do, it’s all accessible for me right here,” Grant said. “The bus is right up the street if I need it, the post office, the Food Bazar; everything is in reach for me when I need it.”   

Grant is grateful for the home he found in the Mandaela Community. He expressed appreciation for the building staff, other residents and the various services he has access to as a Mandaela resident.