OUR VISION
Martin House is a residential program that provides supportive services to 54 individuals who were homeless or threatened with homelessness due primarily to mental health conditions.
Because of Martin House, the men and women we serve have an opportunity to rebuild their lives while residing in a dignified, empowering community and develop a foundation from which to go on to secure permanent housing.
OUR VALUES
Each individual who lives at Martin House is offered an community that will promote respect, personal growth, self-determination, and opportunity.
People interested in living at Martin House are just like you and me. They have had the misfortune of experiencing a mental illness, an addiction, poverty or homelessness, frequently all areas mentioned. Many individuals are coping with symptoms of a physical illness or a developmental disorder while at the same time experiencing symptoms of mental illness and/or addiction. We value each and every life regardless of their life experiences. Secure housing serves as a foundation from which each person can begin their road to recovery.
OUR HISTORY
Martin House was founded in 1982 in response to the growing number of homeless men and women in the Norwich - New London area because of discharges from the Norwich Hospital due to deinstitutionalization.
The State of Connecticut made available an empty building on the Norwich Hospital Campus. Area non-profits were solicited on ideas for the use of this building. The Martin House proposal was accepted to house people of low income, the majority of whom have histories mental illness. Martin House proposed to provide a residence, three meals a day and support services to the people it served.
In August, 1998, with the closing of Norwich Hospital, Martin House moved to the Uncas on Thames campus after a multi-million dollar renovation of an abandoned building. We now occupy this building.
Through the years Martin House has served over 800 adult men and women. We have served people from 18 years of age to their late 80's. The majority of residents are in their 40's and 50's.
Upon leaving Martin House, most people move into their own apartment.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Members of our Board of Directors are involved in Martin House because they care about our community. These dedicated members contribute time, energy and talents through fundraising, volunteering and over-seeing operations. We thank them for their decision to be part of the solution.
Officers
Eric McDermott, President
Sheila Coleman, Vice President
Debra Eskra, Secretary
Gayle O'Neill, Treasurer
Mathew Lisee, Past President
Directors
Elle Crichton
Keith Lee
Monica MacNeil
Courtney MacNeill
Richard Pascal
Marilynn St. Onge