1992
Bethesda House opened as an afternoon drop-in center
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1998Began to expand services ie: clothing room, morning service hours, self-help classes, shower and laundry facilities -
1999-2001Became independent 501 (c)(3) corporation with full-time case management staff -
2002Launched supportive housing at Lighthouse Residence through Housing First initiative -
2010Grand Opening at State Street location, securing more permanent supportive house and expansion of services ie: homeless prevention, emergency services, and rapid re-housing program -
2012-2013Launched Veterans Transitional Housing Program, Literacy Program -
2014-2015Incorporated in-house social work, mental health and counseling services -
2016Activated CODE BLUE Emergency Shelter, opened YATES Food Pantry -
2017Installed Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor Program in partnership with Schenectady County -
2018Expanded community outreach case management program; opened 365-day overnight emergency shelter; established in-house medical care program -
2019Health Home Program; Medical Care Program – Lead by Registered Nurse, partnership with Ellis Medical Center Residency Program; Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner services -
2020Bethesda House never closed our doors during the pandemic; partnered with State Street Presbyterian Church and operated an 18-bed shelter; kept staff and clients safe and had zero COVID cases. -
2021Bethesda House was awarded NYS OTDA HHAP funding for a 42-bed program; received ESG CV funding; continue to remain open and provide comprehensive services addressing social determinants of health. -
2022Bethesda House broke ground at 917 State Street to lay the foundations for Cara House. Continued to expand in-house medical and psychiatric care services. -
2023On November 30th, Cara House had its grand opening, adding 26 permanent supportive housing apartments and 16 emergency beds for the chronically homeless in Schenectady. Program highlights include re-entry rehabilitation and a fully equipped medical care office including medical respite beds. -
2024In partnership with the Healthy Alliance began the process for the 1115 Waiver program.
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2025-2026Bethesda House expanded its 1115 Waiver services, increasing access to community resources and support. Medical Respite Program received NYS Dept. of Health certification, providing ssafe recovery environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. In partnership with Schenectady County DSS, Bethesda House launched the NYS Rental Supplement Program to help prevent evictions and secure housing. Approval for a fifth supportive housing program further expanded housing opportunities for vulnerable individuals.