Keith first learned about Fortune while staying at a men’s shelter in Brooklyn. After living in the shelter for a year, the shelter director suggested he apply for a unit in a new building opened in the Bronx.  

The Mandaela Community is our newest service center in the Morrisania neighborhood as part of the Trinity-Reverend William James Senior Apartments. The building offers affordable housing for seniors, with 57 supportive units reserved for justice-impacted seniors. Fortune participants living in the building can access on-site services, including counseling, case management and health-related services.    

Upon moving into the Mandaela Community, Keith received a warm welcome from staff members and other residents. He was assigned a case manager, Javier, who has offered Keith continued support. Javier connected Keith with mental health resources and even assisted during his job search. Keith credits his case manager for connecting him with his current employer.  

Keith has been a resident of the Mandaela Community for over a year now, and he takes great pride in having his own space. Upon move-in, his apartment was fully furnished, and he has since added a few personal items to decorate the space.   

“That’s the excellent thing about The Fortune Society: everything was there! There was a garbage pail; they provided linens and a mattress. The apartment was fully furnished.”  

Keith explained that, although he considers himself a minimalist, he has a few photos hanging up. He doesn’t like clutter and cares for his home by keeping everything organized.   

“I keep my apartment immaculate,” he explained. “I’m a neat freak! I’m always cleaning up and mopping up. I’m on my knees scrubbing the floor and making sure there is no dust anywhere.”  

Keith enjoys utilizing communal spaces in the building, including the exercise room, the sunroom and the outdoor residential garden. Now that he can access a gym, Keith works out daily to keep himself in shape.   

There are also community events at Mandaela to keep residents engaged. Keith attended a cookout at the end of the summer, and he looks forward to holiday events happening towards the end of the year. He enjoys being a part of the community and getting to know the other residents.   

“Everybody seems to get along. We had the cookout for the guys in Fortune…But it’s as if we all came from the same place, a good place…We’re all God’s children. That’s how I see all the people here.”   

Keith expressed gratitude for The Fortune Society and his home in the Mandaela Community.