Categories: New York City, Openings
03.14.2025
On March 13th, friends, supporters and partners gathered to celebrate the opening of Comunilife’s Woodhull II, the second collaboration with Health + Hospitals (H+H) and Woodhull Hospital creating supportive housing on the Brooklyn hospital’s parking lot. The 93-unit apartment building provides 56 homes to individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness as well as significant barriers to stability. On-site services are provided by Comunilife, funded by the NYC 15/15 Initiative through the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Additional health services will be provided by H+H.
Comunilife CEO Blanca Ramirez kicked off the event saying, “The opening of Comunilife’s Woodhull II Residence is a vital part of our continuum of supportive and affordable housing that improves health and social outcomes for people living with special needs.”
Health + Hospitals CEO Dr. Mitch Katz spoke next saying “Our patients experiencing homelessness often struggle with an array of health conditions, and the prescription is clear: they need stable housing. Permanent housing makes it easier to manage your blood pressure and diabetes, and living down the block from the hospital makes it easier to see your health care providers.” He continued, “NYC Health + Hospitals is so proud to open this bright, new apartment building today on the campus of Woodhull Hospital with our partners at HPD and Comunilife, and we’re committed to building more housing on our land as soon as possible. Our mission is to care for New Yorkers, and today, to so many of our patients and community members, we can say welcome home.”
NYC Mayor Eric Adams praised the project and its part in addressing health and housing needs of vulnerable New Yorkers: “This new housing is how we make sure we have places for New Yorkers to heal and be cared for, and provide a path to stability, lasting community, and common purpose. Every unit at Woodhull will be a place where someone can reclaim their life, renew hope, and allow their New York story to continue.
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrion added, “As we take on New York City’s housing challenges head-on, this administration remains steadfast in its commitment to serving our most vulnerable neighbors — those facing serious health issues and homelessness. The Woodhull II Residence is a powerful example of that commitment.”
But it was Woodhull II resident Elvis who spoke most passionately about the meaning of the new residence: “My apartment is great. I love it, it feels great to sleep in a bed. Before I came to the Safety Net Clinic, I was at rock bottom. I was at my wit’s end thinking nothing would ever come through for me. Nkrumah and everyone here took good care of me. I have so much appreciation for what they did for me.”
In addition to 93 apartments, the Woodhull II Residence features a community room with a computer lab, active and passive outdoor space, a laundry room, and a bike room.
Capital funding for Woodhull II was provided by HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits through Hudson Housing Capital and Webster Bank and Reso A funding.
The architect for Woodhull II was Monica Lopez, the contractor Lettire Contracting.