Project HOPE

The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) has been chosen by New York State to provide crisis counseling assistance through the program Project HOPE. The mandate is to deliver immediate mental health crisis counseling to individuals impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  A team of 12 trained counselors is visiting the 11,000 individuals estimated to have been impacted in Westchester and Rockland Counties.

Services

Team members provide confidential crisis counseling and education as well as concrete assistance by establishing links to additional resources as needed.   Learning about expectable reactions to natural disasters may be an essential component of coping with the emotional aftermath.  Counselor’s help people understand their reactions to the devastation and teach coping skills that assist with recovery.
Individuals who may be at heightened  emotional risk following a traumatic storm such as Sandy include children, older adults, people who have previously experienced  trauma, as well as people who have disabilities, mental illnesses and substance abuse problems.  People who had first hand exposure to the storm and its aftermath, including first responders and other public safety workers, may also be at increased risk.   Please consider contacting out team if you or someone you know is experiencing increased irritability, diminished concentration, low mood, changes in the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, a sense of hopelessness, or other marked changes.

Information/Referrals

For additional information or to contact our counselors, please telephone Project HOPE at 914-345-5900 extension 7543 or 7544 (Spanish).

Hours and Locations

Project HOPE counselors contact individuals in their communities via door-to-door check-ins, work with community centers and faith based organizations, or can be contacted directly by calling 914-345-5900 extension 7543 or 7544(Spanish).  Staff is available to assist individuals, families, community groups, businesses and service organizations at no charge.

Languages Spoken

Currently, all services are offered in English and Spanish. 

Cost

Project HOPE services are provided at no cost to individuals.  Project HOPE is funded through a grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Project HOPE is a program of the New York State Office of Mental Health.