Almost six years ago, Elaina Decker’s life was dark and in a tailspin after a breakup with the love of her life.

“My life was sort of at a dead end,” said Elaina Decker. “I sort of got to the point where I thought dead has got to be better than where I’m at now.”

Decker faced a mental health crisis while living in the Saratoga Springs area. Fortunately, with her children in mind and some guidance from friends, she found RISE Housing and Support Services.

“They threw me a life ring,” Decker said. “And when they did, I just grabbed on and that was it.”

What You Need To Know

  • RISE Housing and Support Services is a nonprofit human services organization in Saratoga Springs

  • RISE serves people with mental health concerns, substance use and life challenges

  • More than 700 people utilized RISE and its services last year

The nonprofit organization specializes in providing safe housing and support services to people with mental health concerns, substance use and other life challenges.

“There has been a segment of the population who really just can’t engage in the typical day-to-day activities that many of us can engage in,” said RISE Executive Director Sybil Newell.

More than 700 people utilized RISE and its services last year, many of them finding homes and new paths in life.

“We know that if there were an alternative place for our homeless folks to be spending their time, it wouldn’t necessarily be where they’re getting themselves in trouble,” Newell said.

That’s why RISE is looking to build out it’s "homebase" program that offers a retreat of sorts for the area’s most vulnerable.

“It’s going to be a low-barrier, psycho-social, day-programming setting,” Newell said. “So anyone who needs a place to be can come in.”

Rep. Paul Tonko on Friday got a glimpse of the plans, which would add a second floor to RISE’s building on Union Street, opening up the first floor for homebase.

“It’s important to have programs like this that really reach people where they’re at,” Tonko said. “They provide a bit of hope.”

The congressman said he’s advocating for the program in Washington and hopes funding for the project will be available later this year.

“Please,” Decker pleaded. “Please.”

Decker, who regained her colorful personality and creative drive, is just one example of the success that can be found at RISE.

“They saved my life,” she said.