Categories: New York State, Openings
11.04.2016
Part of a larger commitment to homeless veterans – and lower income community members.
Cutting the ribbon at Liberty Landing.
Concern for Independent Living opened a magnificent new supportive housing development, Liberty Landing, in Ronkonkoma on October 26th. The 59-unit supportive housing development houses 30 formerly homeless veterans, and offers the other 28 units as affordable housing for low income Long Island families, many of whom are also veterans. There are 40 one-bedroom apartments, 15 two-bedroom apartments, and 3 three-bedroom apartments, as well as one unit for the superintendent.
Liberty Landing is beautifully landscaped with trees, flowering bushes, and well-manicured lawns around each unit. Residents have access to a spacious and welcoming community building with an exercise room, a computer room and a room for community gatherings. In addition, the grounds offer many opportunities for recreational activities, such as basketball and bocce.
The grand opening ceremony began with raising the American and military services’ flags over Liberty Landing, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Concern’s Executive Director and Network Board Member and Treasurer Ralph Fasano graciously welcomed the crowd.
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said “No veteran should ever be homeless – that’s the kind of travesty that should never happen. This development is making a difference.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Marian Zucker, reading from a letter from Governor Andrew Cuomo, said, “Liberty Landing is an incredible example of what can be accomplished when we come together as state agencies.”
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, “Housing alone isn’t enough. You have to give (tenants) wraparound services to maintain their health.”
Tenants Frank Giaramida, a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Specialist Sarahh Galiotte also spoke. Ms. Galiotte shared a moving story of trauma and recovery, thanks to having stable housing with onsite services, “This is the first time in my whole life I’ve been at peace with my surroundings. Thanks for giving us a second chance to survive.”
Other dignitaries who spoke included: Senator Thomas D. Croci; Assemblyman Al Graf; Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone; Supervisor of the Town of Brookhaven Edward Romaine; National Equity Fund’s Tony Thesing; Community Preservation Corporation’s Michael Skrebutenas; and Bank of America’s Maurice Coleman.
Funding for Liberty Landing came from the New York State Office of Mental Health; New York State Homes and Community Renewal; the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; Suffolk County and The Home Depot Foundation. A construction loan was provided by Bank of America with the permanent financing to be provided by The Community Preservation Corporation.
Onsite services are provided by Concern and are funded by NYS Office of Mental Health. The syndicator is National Equity Fund, the architect is DeLaCour, Ferrara & Church, and the contractor is Jobco, Inc.