Categories: New York City, Member News
08.09.2021
On August 4th, the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS), one of the nation’s largest supportive housing services providers, along with New York State and City celebrated the opening of The Hannigan, their new supportive/affordable housing residence in Harlem.
The building, named for the agency’s founder Tony Hannigan provides 116 homes and on-site support services to low-income individuals and families, and individuals and families previously experiencing homelessness, including those with complex psychiatric and medical needs.
"Under Tony's guidance, CUCS became one of the largest and most effective providers for New York's most vulnerable community," said Joe DeGenova, CUCS Chief Executive Officer "I am beyond thrilled to celebrate the opening of The Hannigan, which embodies Tony's legacy and all that he worked for for over three decades."
Keynote speakers at the opening celebration included Joe DeGenova, CUCS CEO and President; Tony Hannigan, CUCS founder; Congressman Adriano Espaillat; Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President; Commissioner Steven Banks, Department of Social Services; and Acting Assistant Director Brenda McAteer, Bureau of Housing Services, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and presumptive City Councilwoman District 9, Kristin Richardson Jordan.
"It is a grand honor to have this wonderful building named “The Hannigan”, said Tony Hannigan, Founder of Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS). “Today we celebrate its opening and congratulate all those who now call this home.”
Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). said “On behalf of my constituents, and the hundreds of residents whose lives will be changed by this project, I applaud the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) for leading in this transformational effort, as well as the state and local officials that worked tirelessly to make today’s announcement possible.”
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer focused on the building’s namesake who was also one of the founders of the supportive housing movement, saying simply: "Tony is the best. What I love about him is if something is not right for the residents or not right for the community he won’t do it; and if it’s right for both he will. I can't think of better way to honor Tony than this residence."
Presumptive new City Councilwoman for the district Kristin Richardson Jordan added, “When we say housing is a human right we are talking about taking care of each other, and about residences like this…and more of them!”
The Hannigan offers on-site services, available to all tenants, including crisis prevention and intervention, entitlement and legal assistance, household management and coaching, and employment assistance. Primary medical care and psychiatric services are provided at the residence’s on-site medical suite through CUCS’ acclaimed Janian Medical Care program. The building also offers amenities such as 24-hour on-site security, teaching kitchen, rooftop green roof, landscaped yard and play are, laundry facilities, computer lab, a gym, and bike storage.
Funding for The Hannigan came from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Supportive Housing Loan Program (SHLP), the Office of the Manhattan Borough President, and the New York City Housing Development Corporation. CUCS also received a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority award for the residence. Raymond James served as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit syndicator, providing $28.3 million in equity through J.P. Morgan Chase. CSH provided pre-development funding. Services and operations were funded through New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene including the city’s 15-year/15,000 unit supportive housing initiative, NYC 15/15.
The architect on the project was EQ Architecture and Design and the contractor was Bruno Frustaci Contracting.