Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
05.02.2022
On April 28th, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens joined government and project partners for an opening ceremony of a new affordable/supportive housing residence, Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto.
Located in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Pope Francis Apartments is creating 135 units of affordable and supportive units for seniors, including 81 supportive for seniors experiencing homelessness. Support services are provided by Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services, funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).
The residence is the second phase of redevelopment of the former Our Lady of Loreto Church and features a lounge, activity rooms, laundry facilities as well as solar panel rooftops to reduce the cost of electricity and the building’s carbon footprint.
Tim McManus, Senior Vice President, Catholic Charities Progress of Peoples Development Corporation opened the program; resident Michael Freeman followed, saying “The staff and everyone here have been so welcoming and happy to help. Something like this is needed throughout the City and the world. Thank you for allowing me to be here. I’m still in awe.”
“The pandemic brought to focus how important buildings like this are, serving seniors and homeless seniors.” said RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner and CEO, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). “We remain steadfast at the State on this work with a new five year housing plan to create more projects just like this.”
“At Health and Hospitals, thousands of our patients need a prescription for housing.” said Leora Jontef, Assistant Vice President for Housing and Real Estate. “Thanks to this residence, we have patients now happy in their new homes.”
Very Reverend Patrick J. Keating esque; Robert B. Catell, Chairman, Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center (AERTC); Jeffrey Nixon, Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association;, Reverend Monsignor Alfred P. LoPinto; Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D.D., Bishop Emeritus; and Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn; also spoke.
Financing for this project came from federal low-income tax credits, permanent tax exempt bonds, NYS HCR and NYS DOH.
The architect is RKTB and the general contractor is Monadnock Construction.
Press Coverage:
https://rew-online.com/catholic-charities-brooklyn-and-queens-dedicates-the-pope-francis-apartments-at-loreto-in-brooklyn-during-a-ceremonial-ribbon-cutting/