Newsfeed Category: New York City

The Network Testifies to NYCC on Critical Need for $20M DOHMH Scattered Site Funding

May.30.2019

For the second time this budget cycle, Network Executive Director Laura Mascuch testified to the immediate need for $20 million in funding in the FY 2020 City budget to ensure that 1,800 formerly homeless people don’t become homeless again. Testifying at the New York City Council Committee on Finance’s budget hearing, she thanked the Council for including the additional funding for DOHMH scattered site supportive housing in its initial budget and urged the Council to help ensure the ask makes it into the final budget. Besides the human cost of possibly making 1,800 households homeless again, the City would face approximately $69 million in added shelter costs if these individuals and families re-entered the shelter system.

Strong Relationships and Shared Values Star at S:US’ Housewarming in the Bronx

May.29.2019

Photo credit for photo at right: Diane Cho for HPD.

On May 14th, overcast skies were brightened by purple and yellow balloons greeting guests at Network member Services for the Underserved’s (S:US) housewarming at 2264 Morris Avenue in the Bronx. Government partners, local elected officials, and private supporters celebrated the completion of the 11-story, mixed-income building, co-developed by S:US and Bronx Pro Group. The building contains 94 units, including 31 units of supportive housing: 17 for at-risk young adults and 14 for formerly homeless adults with mental illness.

Residents at WSFSSH’s Borinquen Court Welcome New Neighbors in Tres Puentes Expansion

May.28.2019

On May 21st, Network member West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH) celebrated the completion of Tres Puentes. The project included a refurbishing of Borinquen Court, which continues to house 145 seniors and/or people with physical disabilities in the community, and the creation of two new buildings welcoming 175 new residents. The name “Tres Puentes” refers to the complex’s views of the Willis Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Third Avenue bridges nearby, but was heralded as the perfect name for the various relationships that made the project possible.

“The goal is not just buildings, but a place where people can truly live,” said Sheldon J. Fine, President of the WSFSSH Board of Directors, who began the speaking program in a large, lively room.

The Network Testifies at NYCC Charter Revision Committee Commission About ULURP

May.14.2019

On May 9th, the Network’s Policy and Planning Director Rebecca Sauer testified at the New York City Council Charter Revision Commission to offer suggestions on improving the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) as it pertains to supportive housing development. Testifying late in the seven-hour hearing, Rebecca emphasized that the critical need to develop as much supportive housing as quickly as possible in order to address New York City’s homelessness crisis needs to be balanced with the need to garner comprehensive community input, including voices from the local homeless community.

The Network Testifies to NYS Legislature on Rent Regulations for Scattered Site Supportive Housing

May.03.2019

On May 2nd, Network Executive Director Laura Mascuch provided testimony at the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Housing’s public hearing on rent-regulated housing. While thanking Assemblymembers Latoya Joyner and Steven Cymbrowitz for advancing Bill No. A07115, which would provide rent stabilization provisions to nonprofit housing providers’ new scattered site supportive housing units, she encouraged the sponsors to accept a friendly amendment to the bill that would extend the protections to the 14,000 existing scattered-site units and formerly homeless disabled families and individuals currently living there.

Supporters, Developers, and Government Cheer Residents’ New Home in the Bronx

Apr.25.2019

On April 16th, the Network joined member Services for the UnderServed (S:US) to celebrate the transformation of a vacant lot in the Bronx into a seven-story apartment building – and the transformation of lives through the offer of permanent homes. With 74 apartments, including 19 reserved for formerly homeless individuals with mental health challenges and 45 reserved for formerly homeless veterans, the housewarming’s goal was to wish the building’s residents “every hope and every dream that comes with having a new home,” said Judith Jackson, Chief of Staff of S:US.

Comunilife Celebrates 54 New Units of Supportive Housing at Woodhull Residence in Brooklyn

Apr.25.2019

On April 3rd, Comunilife welcomed guests, colleagues, partners, and friends to the long-awaited opening of Woodhull Residence after 13 years of work.

Rosa M. Gil, President and CEO of Comunilife, opened the event’s speaking program by recalling a conversation with one of the building’s newest residents – a formerly homeless woman who, with new keys in hand, uttered disbelief in this new stage of her life. Gil echoed her wonder, saying, “My dream and her dream has become a reality.”

The Network Gathers to Celebrate the Past Year in Supportive Housing

Apr.24.2019

On April 11th, the Network joined the supportive housing community for its Annual Meeting. An open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and images of supportive housing buildings newly opened in the last year set the scene for lively conversation with familiar and new faces. The group was able to hear from Senator Brian Kavanagh, Network Board Chair Brenda Rosen, Executive Director Laura Mascuch, and Network Board Treasurer Ralph Fasano.

Catholic Charities of New York Rings In the Opening of St. Augustine Terrace

Apr.23.2019

“For us in the church, this is a no-brainer. It’s a duty. It’s something we are obliged to do,” said Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, about developing affordable and supportive housing. Some 100 friends, supporters, and church luminaries attended the opening on April 8th celebrating the long-awaited project which includes 35 units of supportive housing.

The Network Hosts Siting Workshop for Members

Apr.18.2019

On the morning of April 9th, 22 Network members gathered to learn more about the art of siting supportive housing. The workshop included presentations from Cynthia Stuart, the Network’s Chief Operating Officer, and Ralph Fasano, Executive Director of Concern for Independent Living, extensive discussion among members and an opportunity to examine and respond to fictional siting scenarios.