Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
10.29.2025
On a sunny but chilly morning in late October, Goddard Riverside and Rockabill Consulting & Development joined some 90 guests—project partners, elected officials, staff from other Goddard programs, and friends and family—to celebrate the opening of the Stephan Russo Residence. This new affordable and supportive housing residence created 68 apartments, 54 supportive, on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. Goddard Riverside will provide onsite services funded by NYC 15/15 administered by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH).
The building is named in honor of former Goddard Riverside Executive Director Stephan Russo, who helped pioneer solutions to homelessness during his 30+ years at the organization. During Russo’s time, Goddard launched some of the earliest homeless outreach and supportive housing programs in the country, helping to develop the Housing First model. He also brought together the group that would evolve into the Supportive Housing Network of New York.
Goddard Riverside President Roderick Jones kicked off the program. “For many of the people who will call this home, this is the beginning building blocks for the rest of their life,” he said. “We hope over the next two to three decades that what we will see is people coming in looking for opportunity and hope.”
New York City Council Member Gale Brewer then said, “This building is gorgeous. It even has tiles on the floor, marble on the walls and detail on ceiling, and that’s what it should be. It includes housing for people in the community and people who are unhoused. This is the kind of housing that people should have.”
Rockabill President Niall Murray said, “We are thrilled to re-introduce this residence to the neighborhood and community. It’s no not only a treasure for the community, but will house 68 people affordably forevermore.”
Stephan Russo then spoke and said, “This is truly an honor to have this beautiful new supportive housing residence carry my name. Goddard Riverside has been a leader in the supportive housing movement since early 1980s. This beautiful residence will add to the thousands and thousands of homeless individuals who have been touched by Goddard.”
New resident Kenya T said, “The last 30 days have been truly exceptional for me. After a decade of being in and out of homelessness due to struggles with my mental health, this has brought an abundance of peace and stability I haven’t experienced in a very long time. The staff has been amazing. They check on me to provide practical necessities and emotional support. It’s not just a place to live, it’s a place of safety and rest, a true sanctuary that has allowed me to finally breathe. I’m currently back in school focused on my education and working toward my dreams as a published writer. This stability is the missing piece that has allowed me to focus on my studies and craft. I feel such joy seeing the positive direction my life is heading.”
Will Innes, chief of staff for development at the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development said: “Personally, housing is incredibly important to me: I grew up in a rent-controlled apartment in the East Village; I live in a Mitchell-Lama co-op in Chelsea, so affordable housing to me is the bedrock and cornerstone of how to live a stable and healthy life, and I think this is an incredible project.”
NYC Council Member Shaun Abreu said, “Seeing the amount of care and resources that went into renovating this space brings me joy. When we leave today, let’s think about what’s possible for Kenya is possible for so many families here in this City. Housing security is the foundation, the stepping blocks if you will, for prosperity in all aspects of your life. To have a roof over your head and a community rally behind you is one of the most important things we can do and we’re going to keep rallying behind every Kenya in this city.”
Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Supportive Housing and Specialized Services at the New York City Human Resources Administration (NYC HRA) Craig Retchless said, “On behalf of DHS and HRA, congratulations to Goddard Riverside and all partners involved in developing this beautifully renovated building. It’s truly a pleasure being with you today to celebrate the dedication of the Stephan Russo Residence with 54 units dedicated to NYC 15/15 supportive housing initiative. We have seen Goddard consistently support tenants to move into new apartments and build a place they can call home.”
Executive Deputy Commissioner of NYC DOHMH Dr. H. Jean Wright II said, “Today we take another step forward to housing our neighbors. Affordable housing is one key component of the health department’s plan to improve the mental health of our city. At NYC DOHMH we take a holistic approach to health. We know that many people will be given a new lease on life as they move into these apartments. We all need to feel dignified and in control of our own lives. Part of that is having a place to call your own.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg talked about his father and how he might have felt about this permanent residence for formerly unhoused people: “He worked in the New York City homeless shelter system for years. So when I was walking through I was just thinking of him and how this is sort of a dream come true.”
The Stephen Russo residence was formerly a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building that was renovated to remove shared restrooms and provide an en suite bathroom for each tenant. Building amenities include communal kitchen areas, dining areas, community rooms, case management social services offices, and an outdoor courtyard area.
Financing for the project came from Enterprise Community Partners Investment and New York Acquisition Fund, NYC HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, JP Morgan Chase construction loan, City Council and Manhattan Borough President Reso-A funding, and LIHCT equity.
The general contractor is Conrock Construction and the architect is OCV architects.