Mott Haven nonprofit hits the streets to help people suffering from substance abuse

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A Mott Haven nonprofit says it is out on the streets every week trying to combat substance abuse in the area. The Samaritan Daytop Village offers a wide variety of resources from substance use disorder, mental health issues, supportive housing, etc. Three times a week, the Peer Alliance Recovery Center, a sector of the organization, goes out into the community delivering free meals, water and Narcan kits. Byron Summers, a peer professional, has been with the organization for about a year, but he says for him this is more than just a job. "I grew up in the streets. I have lived experiences. I've been incarcerated before and I suffer from the disease of addiction. So I have to give back someone helped me out of my hole, so I'm trying to help people kind." said Summers. Citywide data says more than 2,200 people died of overdose deaths in 2023 alone, and the Bronx is one of the most impacted boroughs. Last year, the organization said it handed out nearly 2000 Narcan kits and 4,000 meals. It hopes its efforts on the street are the agent for change. Click here for more information. "