Alcoholism flourishes in the community occupying single room occupancy (SRO) dwellings on Manhattan's west side. Individuals in this setting have few social resources and by reason of background and deprivation are inhibited from seeking help for their alcoholism. Consequently a direct in-person outreach approach is required in order to effect treatment. The milieu is rife with physical and psychological threats to occupants. These present unique challenges to the community alcoholism counselor who, as a member of an interdisciplinary community mental health treatment team, seeks to intervene. Counselor is viewed by client as an intruder in the environment. Breaking the isolation in which the client is immersed and developing a bond with him becomes the most immediate and most difficult of the several tasks facing the counselor.