Newsfeed Category: New York City

Morris Avenue Apartments Breaks Ground in University Heights

Jun.24.2016

Breaking ground at Morris Avenue Apartments.

On May 17, Bronx Pro and Services for the UnderServed (SUS)  broke ground on an innovative new project -- Morris Avenue Apartments, a mixed use affordable apartment building in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. The eleven story, 94 unit residence will provide homes to 14 moderate income families, 48 low income individuals and families as well as 31 apartments for a mix of formerly homeless individuals and young adults exiting residential treatment. There will be community rooms with computers, multiple outdoor recreation areas, and access for tenants to a 15-space parking lot. On-site supportive services will be provided by SUS.

The Sydelle Opens in the East Tremont Neighborhood of the Bronx

Jun.22.2016

Cutting the ribbon at The Sydelle.

For decades the nation’s largest provider of services in supportive housing, the Center for Urban Community Services opened their third CUCS-developed-and-owned residence June 6th,  The Sydelle, in the East Tremont neighborhood of the Bronx. Named for a longstanding supporter of CUCS, Sydelle Ostberg, the Sydelle provides 107 apartments to a mix of low-income and formerly homeless families and individuals.

The Mayor’s 90-Day Review of the Department of Homeless Services & Proposed Reforms

Apr.21.2016

On April 11, the Mayor announced the results of the review of the City’s delivery of services to homeless individuals. This effort, overseen by HRA Commissioner Steve Banks and First Deputy Mayor Tony Shorris, resulted in a comprehensive plan that includes significant programmatic and policy changes to improve the delivery of services and shifts the focus to preventing vulnerable New Yorkers from becoming homeless and rehousing those who do become homeless.

Source of Income is a Protected Class Under NYC Human Rights Law

Apr.19.2016

Guest blog post by Darsana Srinivasan, Supervising Attorney, Law Enforcement Bureau, New York City Commission on Human Rights

Public assistance, including housing assistance through a variety of program subsidies and vouchers, is intended to provide individuals with mobility and access to better opportunity, yet it is often not enough to provide people with stable housing.  Luckily, an individual’s source of income is a protected class under the New York City Human Rights Law. The New York City Commission on Human Rights has been enforcing the source of income protection provided by the Law since its enactment in 2008. 

Comunilife Opens El Rio Residence in East Tremont

Apr.14.2016

Cutting the ribbon at Comunilife's new El Rio residence in the Bronx.

On a brisk spring day, Comunilife welcomed nearly 75 people to the grand opening of the El Rio Residence on Friday, April 8 in the Bronx neighborhood of East Tremont. Named in honor of the Bronx River which is just steps away, the 65 unit residence has 39 supportive and 26 affordable housing units. El Rio is Comunilife’s fourth supportive housing residence in New York City.

Staten Island Mental Health Council Hosts Community and Legislative Priorities Breakfast

Mar.21.2016

Left to right: Dr. Ginny Mantello, Borough Director of Health and Wellness; Assembly Member Mike Cusick; Larry Hochwald, Co-Chair of the Staten Island Mental Health Council; Linda Wilson Executive Director of NAMI-Staten Island Chapter; the Network's Executive Director Laura Mascuch; District Attorney Michael McMahon; and Terry Troia, Project Hospitality.

In the wake of the City and State’s recent commitments to creating 35,000 units of supportive housing over the next 15 years, Project Hospitality Executive Director Terry Troia invited Network Executive Director Laura Mascuch to present on supportive housing to this year’s Annual Staten Island Mental Health Council’s Community and Legislative Priorities Breakfast on Friday, March 4th.  Some 200 stakeholders discussed the Council’s agenda next year which will focus on the importance of creating supportive housing for homeless Staten Islanders struggling with mental illness; the need for funding for children’s mental health services; the need for employment support for Island residents living with mental illness.

Tax Program Crackdown Spurs $10 Million for Affordable/Supportive Housing

Mar.18.2016

On March 10th, at Institute for Community Living’s (ICL) Stepping Stone residence in Brooklyn, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced that $10 million in settlement fees from abuses of 421A will be invested in affordable housing including 600 units of supportive and senior housing citywide. In 2014, the Attorney General led an investigation into the abuse of tax incentive programs, leading to restitutions from 23 landlords who have failed to provide rent-regulated leases, violated tenant rights laws and denied service workers the required wages. Restitution will be spent on supportive housing for veterans, seniors, low-income families and the formerly homeless.

Herkimer Street Residence Cuts the Ribbon

Feb.16.2016

Cutting the ribbon at Herkimer Street Residence.

Some 70 partners and well-wishers gathered in the community space at Herkimer Street Residence to celebrate the opening of the Bridge’s newest residence, home to a mix of formerly homeless individuals and young adults as well as low-income families. The beautiful new building is the Bridge’s largest residence to date and brings the total number of individuals/families housed to 863!

Mayor de Blasio Releases His Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2017

Jan.25.2016

Last week, Mayor de Blasio released his preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2017. The $82.1 billion plan includes initial funding for the City’s 15,000 units of supportive housing over the next 15 years. The key areas impacting the supportive housing community include:

The Network Seeks a Director of Policy and Planning

Jan.22.2016

The Governor of New York State and Mayor of NYC recently committed to creating 35,000 units of supportive housing statewide, the majority of which will be developed in NYC. The Supportive Housing Network’s Director of Policy and Planning will 1) lead NYC policy and planning efforts to ensure these commitments are implemented in coordination with NYS; 2) work to identify and address barriers to implementation; 3) represent the Network and membership on key committees and task forces that further the mission; 4) provide ongoing support to members; and 5) provide active leadership in the NYC Continuum of Care.