Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
10.25.2023
On October 24th, Homeward NYC, Type A Projects and Azimuth Development Group joined project partners to celebrate the opening of the new supportive housing residence, Homeward Central Harlem. The new residence is creating 50 LGBTQIA+ affirming supportive housing apartments for youth in Harlem. On-site services are provided by Homeward NYC funded by NYC 15/15 through New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH).
Peter Boboris, Director of Development, Azimuth Development Group kicked off the program, “We have learned about many of the tenants’ stories and journeys and are so happy to play a small part in providing them with some stability and housing security that we are proud to call permanent.”
Annie Tirschwell, Partner, Type A Projects, then spoke, “The lease up of this residence was record speed thanks to the Homeward NYC staff and HRA. Homeward has been inspiring.”
Jeannette Ruffins, Chief Executive Officer, Homeward NYC, then remarked, “When LGBTQIA youth are in a safe and affirming space, they can start to explore what they want to do with their future. Housing is just the launching pad to deliver services and provide programming that heals trauma and provides stability.”
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR), then spoke, "Without a home, it is impossible to access jobs, health care, food, or social relationships, which is something so important for everyone, but especially for young people. These 50 studios will be all that and so much more."
Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President said, “Thank goodness you did this. We have an absolutely desperate need for supportive housing in this city and an even more acute need for supportive housing for young people and the need amongst LGBTQIA+ youth is even greater.”
Network Executive Director Pascale Leone closed out the program, stating, "This is a safe haven where young adults can be their whole, beautiful, unapologetic selves. From the art on the walls to the gender-neutral bathrooms, everything is designed to say, 'you belong here' and that is what supportive housing does."
Remarks were also provided by: Emily Lehman, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (NYC HPD); Elizabeth Zeldin, Enterprise Community Partners; Eric Steinberg, KeyBank; Sam Ganeshan, Hudson Housing Capital; and Guido Subotovsky, Azimuth Development Group.
The 50 studio apartments come fully-furnished and building amenities include an on-site gym, communal meeting area, kitchen, library/computer room, laundry room, and a landscaped outdoor patio.
Funding for the project came from NYC HPD Supportive Housing Loan Program, NYS HCR’s 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), NYS HCR’s Supportive Housing Opportunity Program (SHOP), Enterprise Community Partners, and KeyBank.
The architect is Kossar + Garry Architects and the general contractor is Cheever Development Corporation.