Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
10.23.2023
On October 20th, HELP USA and HELPDevCo joined project and government partners to celebrate the opening of HELP Home Simpson. This new affordable and supportive housing residence is creating 72 new affordable apartments, including 44 supportive, for individuals and families in the Bronx. On-site services will be provided by HELP USA funded by NYC 15/15 through New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH).
David Cleghorn, HELPDevCo President, who emceed the program, said, “HELP Home Simpson is an excellent example of a community coming together to provide quality affordable and supportive housing while maintaining an important community anchor in St. Peter’s Deliverance Ministries Church.”
Reverend Shante Edgehill said, “We want people to look at us and say ‘I want to be a part of what they are doing’ so we are starting that today.”
Tina Goodrich, SVP of Supportive Housing said, “Housing is at the center of all we do here at HELP USA. We expect not only to offer beautiful homes, but also deliver services by our fantastic supportive housing team, who keep our families and individuals stable and housed.”
Mr. Renaldo Reyes, new tenant at the residence, “I was in the street and it took me plenty of time to not be in the streets and look at me now I am living in a nice place.”
Reverend Russel, St. Peter's Deliverance Ministries Church, also spoke, “Welcome to the neighborhood. We are a community. Seeing this happen is a phenomenal thing.
Ross Karp, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (NYS HCR) and Shaun Belle, CMC Development Group, also spoke.
Built on a church parking lot, HELP Home Simpson will feature 8,500 square feet of commercial space for use by St. Peter’s Deliverance Church to conduct their ministry and community programs, including a food pantry and educational programs. Building amenities also include a roof terrace, bike storage and laundry facilities. Additionally, the building was designed to meet New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Multifamily New Construction Program standards, and features energy efficient windows, Energy Star appliances and lighting, and a partial green roof.
Funding for the project came from New York City Housing Preservation and Development’s (NYC HPD) Supportive Housing Loan Program (SHLP) and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR)’s 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs).
The architect is Urban Architectural Initiatives and the general contractors are HELPDevCo and CMC Development Corp.