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Venture House asks Staten Island Borough Board for $3.1 million to expand clubhouse services
Summary
Venture House told the Borough Board it needs $3.1 million to reconfigure and equip an 11,000‑square‑foot site for a clubhouse model serving 300–350 adults with serious mental illness, arguing the model reduces Medicaid use and supports employment and housing stability.
Venture House asked the Staten Island Borough Board for $3,100,000 to renovate and fit out a new clubhouse space it said will serve 300–350 adults living with serious mental illness.
A Venture House representative told the board the organization opened a Staten Island location in 2017 and uses a clubhouse model that integrates members into operations, employment supports and community activities. “What we are asking for is, $3,100,000,” the presenter said, listing architecture, engineering, legal, closing and build‑out costs, and a commercial kitchen to support on‑site food programs.
The presenter said the city invested $30,000,000 in expanding clubhouse services and described the model as “the most cost effective and humane approach” to helping people recover and remain stable. Venture House argued early engagement in the clubhouse setting lets staff detect problems before members “spiral into a crisis state,” reducing the need for inpatient care.
Board members asked whether the program is already operating and whether it had completed the borough or City Council capital application. Staff clarified the program is currently enrolling and operating, and that borough and city capital application deadlines differ: borough deadlines occurred earlier than the city council’s March 20 deadline, and non‑city‑owned projects require review by the Office of Management and Budget.
The board did not take a funding vote at the session. The morning meeting adjourned to a 4:00 p.m. evening session where staff said additional procedural items and potential adjustments to applications will be discussed.
