The journey to create the community organization, East Long Ave, began many years ago when the founders decided to embark on a real estate investment journey with the purchase of a triplex property. When the property was acquired, it already had three established tenants, one of which had a behavioral health diagnosis. Shortly after the property was purchased, the owners began receiving complaints about this resident.
After many complaints were received, the property owners handed an eviction notice to the man, but as they did so, they realized that they were about to make him homeless without addressing the root cause of his problem. Instead of proceeding with the eviction, they started discussing how to provide the man with the care he needed within the community. Through this discussion, more questions about his situation were uncovered.
Was he consistently keeping his scheduled appointments with his primary care physician and mental health professionals? Was he taking his medications? Did he have access to an adequate amount of food? Did he have enough clothes? The list went on and on without any clear answers.
This marked the beginning of the exploratory process with the individual to ensure that all his needs were met. It also initiated multiple weekly check-ins to guarantee stability and compliance, as well as to address the individual’s needs by providing transportation, scheduling appointments with providers, and arranging for someone to accompany the individual to appointments to advocate for them and provide accurate details of the events happening in their life. Additionally, it involved assisting with grocery shopping and connecting with local food pantries.
After stabilizing and making progress, it was clear that the condition of the home needed attention. Hiring someone to clean on a weekly basis not only improved the living environment but also provided much-needed companionship, which ultimately made a difference in the individual’s overall lifestyle.
In the end, a real estate investment purchase turned into a true labor of love. After seeing the difference that could be made by choosing kindness instead of turning a blind eye to someone in need, the organization we know today as East Long Ave was formed. The name “East Long Ave” was chosen to honor the street on which that first investment in both property and an individual in need was made.