During the late 1980s, homelessness was on the rise in New York City. Fortunately, a new intervention, called supportive housing was in its infancy. By providing affordable permanent housing with support services, homeless individuals with mental illness could stabilize and prosper. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Brooklyn hired Connie Tempel ’65 to develop supportive housing, primarily utilizing former diocesan properties. Connie shaped groundbreaking projects for homeless individuals with mental illness. She also helped found and lead the SRO Providers Group to advocate on behalf of the nonprofit providers.