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09.29.2021
On September 15th, Concern Housing joined partners, elected officials and community members for the opening of their new affordable and supportive residence Liberty Station, in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island.
Liberty Station is made up of six, two story apartment buildings, with 77 affordable apartments, 45 of which are supportive for formerly homeless veterans. Onsite social services will be provided by Concern and are funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) through New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).
Concern Executive Director and Network Board Member Ralph Fasano kicked off the ceremony: “We are thrilled to join the Port Jefferson community and provide a housing option that is in desperate need for so many in our region. Liberty Station offers veterans who have fought for our country quality, affordable housing, as everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect.”
“Supportive housing is not just the bricks and mortar,” said New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Commissioner Ann Sullivan, “it’s a home, hope and getting the opportunity to live a vibrant life.”
Dawn Pierce, resident and former Veteran Marine Corps also spoke, “What does the supportive community mean to me? Peace of mind, financially stability, and freedom.”
Other speakers included: Karen Coburn, Concern Board President; Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas; Senator Anthony Palumbo; Senator Mario Mattera; Assemblyman Steve Englebright; Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning Commissioner Natalie Wright; Councilman Jonathan Kornreich; Councilman Michael Loguercio; and Cha Lee, Capital One.
Liberty Station features fitness centers, gardens, a library, computer room, and private parking. Staff and residents will also have easy access to public transportation as the residence is located in close proximity to major bus routes and the Port Jefferson LIRR station.
Capital funding for Liberty Station came from NYS Homes and Community Renewal Supportive Housing Opportunities Program, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; Community Preservation Corporation Suffolk County and the Home Depot Foundation. OMH also provided start-up funding through a program development grant. LISC-NEF provided predevelopment funding and Capital One provided the construction financing. The syndicator is NEF.
The architect on the project is H2M Architects and Engineers and the general contractor is Belfor Long Island.
Press coverage:
Liberty Station brings housing, opportunity to veterans and people with disabilities