On July 20, El Regreso officially reopened their Men’s Residential Facility on 189 South 2nd Street. The newly renovated building, which is home to a residential addiction treatment program licensed by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), now features state-of-the-art facilities and program space, including an internal patio, as well as new equipment and furniture. The total cost of the project was $11.9 million, with funding provided by NYS OASAS.
Acacia Network launched the renovation of El Regreso in 2017, moving its residents to a temporary space in the Bronx while the construction was completed. The project consisted of a gut renovation and extension to the existing four (4) story building plus cellar, which accommodates 54 beds and program spaces for our residential treatment program.
El Regreso has been a longstanding staple in the community; it was founded in 1985 by Carlos Pagán –a Puerto Rican pioneer in the addiction services field who was, himself, in active recovery. The facility serves the immediate South Williamsburg (“Los Sures”) area and surrounding neighborhoods with trauma-informed, integrated treatment and support services, staffed by a team of multi-disciplinary experts. It was founded with a mission to provide bilingual and bicultural addiction treatment and rehabilitation services to local Latino and African American communities.
“I’m excited to have El Regreso, a crucial organization back in the neighborhood – especially during such a critical time where the rate of drug use is sky high. Mental illness has only been exacerbated by the pandemic and can lead individuals to abuse substances, causing long-term issues. El Regreso has been an integral part of combatting the war on drugs in my district,” said Assemblywoman Maritza Davila.
“As we continue to see rising incidences of drug overdoses, we should look at every way to help fund and support sustainable treatment options for our neighbors and loved ones,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Providing livable spaces with on-site supports for those overcoming addictions is paramount in someone’s long-term recovery, and this new treatment center in South Williamsburg delivers on those resources.”
The Greenline 