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09.29.2021
On September 9th, DePaul joined government partners, elected officials, and community members for the opening of Apple Blossom Apartments, a new affordable and supportive residence in Cheektowaga in Western New York.
Apple Blossom Apartments consists of three buildings, named after apples grown in New York State: Gala, Empire and Cortland. Part of the 15-year 20,000 Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, Apple Blossom Apartments is creating 110 new affordable homes, including 60 supportive. Onsite social services will be provided by DePaul and are funded through New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH).
In advance of the event, Governor Hochul said, "Providing individuals and families with a safe and secure home is transformative and benefits the entire community. Apple Blossom Apartments is truly a welcome addition to Western New York."
DePaul’s President, Mark Fuller, said, “We look forward to changing even more lives for individuals in Erie County and across New York State by offering housing stability for the most vulnerable populations."
"With housing costs rising dramatically across the nation, it's more important than ever that we invest in affordable housing for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.” Assembly Member Monica Wallace said, “With the completion of Apple Blossom Apartments, the state has added more than 100 new housing units, including dozens that have services and accessibility for those with special needs”
Each of the three buildings feature a community room with kitchen, resident lounges with computer access, laundry rooms on each floor, and storage areas within each apartment. The residence is conveniently located near grocery shopping, schools, churches, medical care, banks, libraries, and government agencies.
Capital funding for Apple Blossom Apartments came from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax credits and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). OMH also provided construction funding and a project development grant.
The architect is SWBR Architects and the general contractor is Home Leasing.
Press coverage:
https://hcr.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-opening-37-million-affordable-housing-development-erie-county
https://www.wbfo.org/local/2021-09-10/110-affordable-supportive-apartments-open-in-cheektowaga
https://wblk.com/37-million-affordable-housing-cheektowaga/