The Bridge Opens Doors to Maple Residence in Brooklyn
Dec.14.2018
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Some 60 friends, funders, tenants and partners gathered on a crisp December morning to celebrate the opening of The Maple Residence- a 66 unit supportive/affordable building in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Developed by The Bridge, Maple will bring 50 units of supportive housing to vulnerable New Yorkers suffering from mental illnesses, and 16 units of affordable housing to low-income families in the community.
Opportunities for Broome Brings More Supportive Housing to Downtown Binghamton
Nov.13.2018
Friends and supporters gathered October 18 to celebrate the opening of 88-90 Carroll Street in downtown Binghamton. This newest development will provide permanent supportive housing for 10 formerly homeless individuals and families, including several who have high medical needs.
“Individuals and families that come here are faced with problems, and housing is usually the first step in addressing those problems," said Mark Silvanic, CEO of Opportunities for Broome.
Dana Greenberg and Jason Harper represented NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) at the ribbon cutting and Binghamton Mayor Rich David was also in attendance to celebrate this opening with the community.
A tenant, Alonzo Harper spoke about the impact having an apartment and working with Opportunities had had on his life: “I landed another job..I actually have a better relationship with my children because I get to see them more often because I have a place… and (the people at Opportunities for Broome) have given me faith in other people. I didn’t think that anybody would fight for anybody out here.”
The building is a three story brick structure near several Opportunities redevelopment sites and offers comprehensive social services to tenants.
The project is funded by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) under the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP). Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative funds the services for the 10 supportive housing units. Patricia Every was the architect and WL Kline was the contractor for this project.
The Bridge Opens Doors to Melrose Commons
Oct.29.2018
Some 70 friends and supporters gathered September 14th to celebrate the opening of The Bridge’s new Melrose Commons residence in the Melrose section of the Bronx. Hosted by The Bridge’s Board Chair Cynthia Wainwright and CEO Susan Wiviott, the gathering included electeds as well as representatives from the City, the State and the private sector, tenants and Bridge staff. Melrose Commons will provide permanent supportive housing for 58 formerly homeless individuals with mental health conditions.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. kicked off the festivities by noting that, in addition to Melrose Commons’ transforming tenants' lives, the beautiful new building is contributing to the neighborhood’s revitalization. “I grew up here and I remember playing in the rubble”, said Mr. Diaz. He congratulated all the partners on the project and took time to hug Robert Tandy, the Melrose Commons tenant who spoke at the opening. The Borough President had previously shown support for the project by allocating $600,000 in funding.
State Senator Luis Sepulveda also grew up in the Melrose area and remarked on the positive changes. He also congratulated all involved in the project: “I salute The Bridge for bringing this impressive residence and its services to those in need. I wish I could provide more like it.”
HDC’s Eric Enderlin, HPD’s Molly Park and OTDA’s Dana Greenberg also spoke, noting the amount of time (EIGHT YEARS!) and effort that had gone into the project. Capital One’s Desiree Francis (a Bronx native as well) and CSH’s Maygen Moore participated.
As always, the star of the program was Robert Tandy, a tenant of Melrose Commons. Robert has struggled for many years on the streets and recently moved into The Bridge’s Safe Haven in the Bronx where, for the first time in many years, he felt safe. When Melrose opened, he was ready to consider leaving transitional housing for his own fully furnished studio apartment in a new building offering permanent supportive housing.
The building features a green roof, a large outdoor recreational space that features a garden, a ping pong table, and comfortable seating; a common space with a communal kitchen for cooking classes (using produce from the garden); and a conference room/training center. Comprehensive on-site services (including case management and 24/7 front desk coverage) are funded by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Funding for the building was provided by NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC), NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), LIHTC, NYS Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation. National Equity Fund was the syndicator and Capital One the tax credit investor. Predevelopment funds were provided by the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Citibank and Local Initiatives Support Corporation. The Bridge was awarded the property, which was deeded by the City for $1, through a competitive RFP process. The architect was Magnusson Architecture and Planning and the contractor was the J. Pilla Group.
Jericho Project Cuts Ribbon on Walton House, First Project Done Through NYC 15/15
Jul.24.2018
State and city officials, partners and friends gathered on July 17 to celebrate the opening of Walton House, the first supportive housing congregate site to open doors under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s NYC 15/15 initiative. Developed by Jericho Project and B & B Urban, Walton House will bring 89 units of supportive housing to homeless veterans and young adults.
Tori Lyon, CEO of Jericho Project welcomed the audience and introduced all the speakers for the program including Senator Gustavo Rivera; Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio; Human Resources Administration (HRA) Commissioner Steven Banks; NYC Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner Loree Sutton; First Deputy Commissioner of NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Don Shacknai; NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts and other key government and private sector partners.
“Thank you for believing in what we do and opening the doors for so many,” said CEO Tori Lyon to the audience in her opening remarks.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera who represents the 33rd District in the Bronx talked about his commitment to supportive housing.
“I have been educated on how important these projects are not only to those who live here but also the community overall. It brings so much beauty and positivity to the community and that’s why I’m always in support of supportive housing,” said the senator.
Dr. Herminia Palacio also spoke at the event. She talked about the struggles of LGBTQ and HIV positive youth she witnessed firsthand as a medical practitioner in 1980’s San Francisco and how important safe housing is to gain stability.
“We are opening a way to new life, we are opening a way for stability and are opening a way to new tools so young adults and those who’ve fought fearlessly for this country could make their lives better,” she said.
Commissioner Steven Banks remarked on the collective will and collaboration among all the various funders and partners to make this happen.
“There’s no silver bullet that’s going to solve this problem (of homelessness) but it is our continued partnerships that will keep moving the needle and keep us going,” he added.
Located in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx, Walton House has 89 apartments –56 of which are reserved for veterans and 33 for young adults. It features two community rooms, a beautiful mural showcasing all the famous landmarks in the Bronx by artist Rafael Esquer, an outdoor garden with exercise equipment and a library. Comprehensive onsite social services are funded by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH).
The financing for Walton House was provided by a mix of government and private sector partners including the NYC Housing Development and Preservation (HPD), Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and Wells Fargo and Federal Home Loan Bank. Additional support was provided by Home Depot Foundation and Citi Community Development. A pre-development loan was provided by the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).
Walton House was designed by MHG Architects PC and the contractor was Cheever Development Corporation.
Greenport Gardens Apartments Opens Doors in Hudson
Jul.06.2018
Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties celebrated the opening of Greenport Gardens Apartments on July 19 in Hudson. The newly constructed two story building includes 66 units, 48 of which are supportive while the rest are reserved for low-income individuals and families. CSD Housing LLC was the co-developer.
The ribbon cutting ceremony included prominent government and private sector partners including Commissioner of the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Samuel D. Roberts, representing Governor Cuomo.
“Supportive housing projects like the beautiful Greenport Gardens Apartments are vital in helping individuals and families gain better health and stability in their lives,” remarked Commissioner Roberts.
Greenport Gardens has 48 supportive housing units, twenty-five of which are reserved for individuals and families with special needs who are unstably housed, ten of which are reserved for high-cost Medicaid users. An additional thirteen units are licensed New York State Office of Mental Health apartments that were relocated to Greenport Gardens.
Greenport Gardens includes outdoor landscaped common areas, an exercise room, as well as computer and multi-purpose rooms open to all tenants. The complex also includes a bike storage area and a tenant storage area in which tenants will have their own locked units. There is also office space designated specifically for support services, which are funded by the Office of Mental Health.
Funding for the project was provided by NYS Office of Mental Health, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the NYS Homes and Community Renewal’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocation and the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority. The building was designed by Re4orm Architecture and Christa Construction, LLC was the contractor on the project.
Win Opens Doors to Largest Family Supportive Housing Development in New York
Jun.25.2018
On Thursday June 14, Win celebrated the opening of Stone House, the largest supportive housing development for families in New York State. Named after Win’s former president, Bonnie Stone, Stone House will bring 160 units of affordable and supportive housing to the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Win’s CEO Chris Quinn welcomed the audience and introduced all the speakers for the program that included: Former Win CEO Bonnie Stone; Maria Torres-Springer, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD); Paula Roy Carethers from NYC Housing Development Corporation; Dana Greenberg from NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA); Jeff Barker, NYS President for Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Maygen Moore from the Corporation for Supportive Housing, as well as representatives from the Brooklyn Borough President Erik Adam’s office and NYC Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation.
“We know that New York City is battling twin crises of homelessness and affordable housing. Low income wages are not growing but rents are just always on the rise. And this crisis is a crisis for families,” said Chris Quinn in her opening remarks to the audience.
Bonnie Stone, who was Win’s CEO when this project kicked off, thanked all the partners for the successful completion of this project and expressed her immense joy at seeing Stone House ready to take in residents.
“This is such a gift. 160 families have found their homes here at Stone House,” she said.
HPD Commissioner, Maria Torres-Springer also spoke at the event. She congratulated Win and announced the approval by city government of an additional $100 million in capital funding to accelerate the development of supportive housing from 500 to 700 units.
“Developing supportive housing and working to end homelessness is not a marathon or a sprint, but a relay. We have to keep going and pass on the baton to the next person. It really is heartwarming and such an honor to be here today,” she added.
The star of the show though was a tenant of Stone House, Regina Wright. She shared with the audience her struggles and what it was like to finally be leaving a shelter with her two kids.
“When I saw this apartment I thought it was the model. Then they told me it was mine! I cried,” she said.
Replacing a vacant lot, Stone House took 10 years from concept to development. It features a computer lab, a beautiful children’s playground, and a community room. It provides 96 supportive housing units and 64 affordable units at a time when more than 60,000 people are homeless in New York City.
The funding for Stone House was provided through a tax credit equity by the HPD Supportive Housing Loan Program, the NYC Housing Development Corp., the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Program under the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance, Department of Justice Settlement Funds through Bank of America Merrill Lynch, the Mayor's Office of Environmental Remediation, Corporation for Supportive Housing, and low income housing tax credit (LIHTC). Equity
Corporate partners include The Richman Group as LIHTC syndicator, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch as construction lender, Win joint venture partners FCA Realty, with additional support from the Google Community Foundation and Riley Home, which is providing blankets to new residents.
The development offers comprehensive social services funded by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Stone House was designed by Urban Architectural Initiatives (UAI) and the contractor was Cheever Development Corporation.
Webster Residence Brings More Supportive Housing to the Bronx
Jun.01.2018
State and city officials, partners and friends gathered on May 11 to celebrate the opening of Webster Residence, an eight story supportive housing building in the Bronx. The Webster Residence features 170 studio apartments, which will be home to low-income and formerly homeless disabled individuals.
Brenda Rosen, President and CEO of Breaking Ground, kicked off the ceremony thanking the project’s partners and remarking that she is delighted to be opening the organization’s fourth supportive/affordable development in the Bronx noting, “Bronx holds a special place in my heart as this is where I spent my early years. I’m thrilled to be part of its revitalization,” Brenda added.
Brenda was joined by RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO, NYS Homes and Community Renewal; Samuel Roberts, Commissioner NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA); Caren Abate, Housing Director at NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH); Emily Lehman, Assistant Commissioner at NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), alongside Fabian Ramirez from Capital One, Sam Ganeshan from Hudson Housing Capital and Tony Hannigan, CEO of CUCS.
RuthAnne Visnauskas spoke about the transformative impact of housing on the lives of the tenants. She also emphasized the importance of government partnerships and the role of elected officials in making projects like the Webster Residence possible.
“It is a good day when Commissioner Roberts and I are together, it means that more supportive housing is being built across the state. I also want to thank our elected officials. It is extremely valuable for us to have their support on affordable and support projects like this one,” she remarked.
Caren Abate from NYS OMH congratulated Breaking Ground on the opening and spoke about the importance of quality housing for those suffering from mental illnesses.
“Safe and stable housing gives individuals who are recovering from mental illness a safety net. It offers them the opportunity to focus on their health and future goals without having to worry about where they are going to put their head at night,” she said.
Funding for this project was provided by NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), Hudson Housing Capital and Capital One Bank. Breaking Ground acquired the site in 2014 with a bridge loan from the New York City Acquisition Fund and the Low-Income Investment Fund.
The building features a multipurpose room for tenant and community events, a computer lab, fitness room, bike storage, and a beautifully landscaped courtyard that connects Webster to its companion building, the 248 unit Park House. Comprehensive social services will be funded by the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH). The building was designed by COOKFOX Architect and Mega Contracting Group was the contractor for the project.
Unique People Services Cuts Ribbon on its First Supportive Housing Development
May.18.2018
Friends, champions and elected officials gathered on Friday May 11 to celebrate the opening of Lynn’s Place, the first supportive and affordable housing building developed by Unique People Services (UPS) in the south Bronx. Named after UPS’ founder Lynn Wonsang, the six-story complex consists of 69 units, 42 of which are supportive housing.
"Looking in front of me, I see the fruit of nearly three decades of dreaming. Dreaming that grew into a clear vision with amazing champions---- and we’d like to say thank you for your passion for our vision in making Lynn’s Place a reality," remarked Yvette B. Andre, the Executive Director of UPS at the opening ceremony.
Yvette B. Andre was joined by Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH); Melissa Mark-Viverito, former NYC City Council Speaker; Assembly Member Michael Blake, NYC HPD Assistant Commissioner Emily Lehman, Hudson Housing Capital’s Sam Ganeshan; Corporation for Supportive Housing’s Kristin Miller, as well as representatives from State Senator Gustavo Rivera and City Council Members Diana Ayala and Rafael Salamanca Jr.
“Over 50% of units are dedicated to people with serious mental illnesses. This opens up their dreams,” said Commissioner Sullivan.
Melissa Mark-Viverto, who represented the neighborhood when the project broke ground, congratulated all the partners and spoke about the importance of investing tax dollars in housing for those in need.
“It is projects like this that give you faith that government is here to serve the most vulnerable. Proud that as speaker of the City Council we invested in such a worthy project,” she said.
Two of Lynn’s Place residents, Ms. Ivory and Mr. Digilio also spoke at the ceremony, expressing their gratitude for having Lynn’s Place as their new home.
“It is really hard to be homeless, especially when you’re older. I’m just really grateful to be in a place where people can see me as a person - not as someone with an illness, but just as me,” shared Ms. Ivory.
The building features a community room, a large sunken courtyard for recreational use, and a beautifully landscaped rooftop. Comprehensive on-site social services are funded by NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH).
This project was funded through the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), CSH, Hudson Housing Capital, Capital One Bank, Deutsche Bank, New York City Council and NYSERDA.
The building is designed by Urban Architectural Initiatives and Procida Construction Corporation was the contractor for the project. Robert Sanborn Development was the developer.
DePaul Celebrates Opening of Packet Boat Landing Apartments in Lockport
May.11.2018
DePaul celebrated the opening of its brand new affordable/supportive housing development, Packet Boat Landing Apartments on Thursday, May 3, 2018 in Lockport, New York.
The three-story, 21,500 square-foot apartment building is named after a type of small cargo and passenger ship called ‘packet boats’ that were used on the Erie and Barge Canals during the 18th and 19th centuries. The building offers 60 one-bedroom units, 21 of which are reserved for supportive housing tenants.
DePaul President Mark Fuller was joined by NYS Senator Robert Ortt, NYS Assembly Member Michael Norris, NYS Home and Community Renewal (HCR) Commissioner and CEO RuthAnne Visnauskas; Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey; as well as dignitaries representing NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), Niagara County’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and Region’s Bank.
"Packet Boat Landing delivers the mix of affordability and supportive services that are essential in our fight against homelessness, and our ability to ensure that all New Yorkers can access the opportunity created by our growing economy. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, we are creating and preserving integrated, safe and affordable homes in communities just like Lockport that help strengthen local economies," said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas at the opening ceremony.
DePaul President Mark Fuller thanked all the partners that helped fund and support this project, and expressed his love for the building.
"We've built about 60 different buildings and this is one of my all- time favorites," he said.
Senator Ortt noted the importance of supportive housing for helping veterans and others coping with disabilities while Mayor McCaffrey commended DePaul for providing new low-income housing in the city.
Packet Boat Apartments features a spacious community room, lounges throughout the complex and a computer lab. It also offers exercise equipment as well as outdoor seating. Comprehensive on-site tenant support services are funded by the Office of Mental Health.
The Packet Boat Landing Apartments received funding through NYS Housing Financing Agency tax-exempt bonds. Subsidies were provided by NYS HCR in addition to Low Income Housing Tax Credits, OMH loans and grants, and a grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA). The building was designed by SWBR Architects and Calamar was the contractor for the project.
CAMBA Gardens II Brings 300 Units of Affordable and Supportive housing to Brooklyn
Apr.26.2018
City, state and private sector partners gathered on a beautiful April afternoon for the ribbon cutting of CAMBA Gardens II, a LEED Gold, 238 unit permanent, affordable and supportive housing development in the East Flatbush/Wingate neighborhood of Brooklyn. The project is built on the NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County campus in what is an exemplary partnership between a public hospital, a nonprofit community developer and community stakeholders.
“Projects like these are about our shared goals. We do this so families are not making choices between food and housing, and are able to get the health care they need,” said Ruth Anne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of NYS Homes and Community Renewal.
CAMBA Inc. CEO, Joanne M. Oplustil welcomed the audience and introduced all the speakers for the program that included Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA); Dr. Dave Chokshi, Vice President and Chief population officer at the NYC Health + Hospitals; Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene; Deborah DeSantis, CEO of the Corporation for Supportive Housing; Victoria Rowe-Barreca from Enterprise Community Partners.; Matthew Schatz from TD Bank; Maurice Coleman from Bank of America Merrill Lynch; and Daniel J Randall from Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.
“This gathering is a testament to the efforts of all of us. When we work together there’s nothing we cannot do,” remarked Council Member Eugene.
Dr. Dave Chokshi spoke to the importance of supportive housing in providing health care to the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
“As a primary care physician, I know that housing is medicine. Supportive housing provides the stability that people need to be able to live their healthiest,” he said.
The star of the show though was Clarissa Martin, one of the supportive housing tenants who brought the crowd to tears with her story of finding her way out of homelessness to living in CAMBA Gardens II.
“Coming out of the shelter system, I wasn’t fed spiritually, mentally, or medically. They had me in a shared apartment with two active addicts…and I am in recovery,” she told the audience. “Being here is like a bridge back to my life. That’s what it is for me.” she added.
CAMBA Inc.'s on-site staff works with all residents to develop customized service plans for independent living skills training, financial literacy, job readiness, substance abuse, and group social, cultural, and sporting events. Other services such as case management, supportive counseling, coordination of health care and education, nutrition and fitness classes, recreational/family activities, and computer training are also available to all tenants and are funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health, New York City Human Resources Administration, HIV/AIDS Services Administration, and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The project came together through a mix of private and public funding provided by NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Corporation, New York City Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, TD Bank, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and the New York State Research and Development Authority.
CAMBA Gardens II was designed by Dattner Architects and the contractor was Bruno Frustaci Contracting, Inc.
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