Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
09.18.2025
On September 17th, IMPACCT Brooklyn joined project partners and elected officials to celebrate the grand opening of 778 Myrtle Avenue, a new affordable and supportive housing residence. This new building is creating 60 new affordable apartments, including 30 supportive, in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. On-site services are provided by IMPACCT Brooklyn, funded through the NYC 15/15 initiative, administered by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH).
Jamal C. Robinson, Executive Director, IMPACCT Brooklyn, spoke, “There’s a housing crisis that requires us to do more. Today, we pledge to do more for the residents who need our help. Let’s celebrate, and then get back to work.”
Nadia Bottoms, new resident, said, “Now that I’ve left the shelter, it’s inspiring me to go back to college and to have more in life. This is a perfect place to begin your life. Thank you, IMPACCT Brooklyn and the Governor of New York, for making this possible — it’s so nice.”
Terrance Adams, new resident, said, “I tell myself every day how fortunate I am — multiple times. This isn’t just an opportunity, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime. A few years ago, I was on the other side: drug addiction, jail, and homelessness. Since day one, I’ve felt welcomed and at home. With the help of the staff — especially my counselor Darryl — I feel safe and secure, because everyone here gives 110% every day.”
Councilmember Chi Ossé said, “We’re dealing with a housing crisis, and people are sleeping on the streets. Hearing from new residents today is so special. We need more supportive housing projects like this all over the city. Housing insecurity is at the root of many issues — when we build housing, we build a safer, more vibrant New York.”
Councilmember Lincoln Restler said, “Some neighbors told me they didn’t want supportive housing in their community. I told them this is exactly what we want. Supportive housing is the evidence-based, cost-effective solution to ending chronic homelessness. We must build more — whenever and wherever we can.”
Assemblymember Jabari Brisport said, “When people hear the term ‘public safety,’ the first image isn’t usually housing — but this is public safety.”
Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest said, “We are celebrating more than just a building — we are building the continuity of Bed-Stuy. With affordable and supportive housing, solar panels, and community rooms, this project shows what’s possible when we invest in people.”
Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman said, “This has been a multi-year journey. Over the last two decades, the face of Brooklyn has changed. Having an organization like IMPACCT Brooklyn — one that understands the people, the history, and what true community development looks like — ensures projects like this are built for the people of Brooklyn.”
Natsumi Yokura, Director of the Supportive Housing Loan Program, NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), “Shout out to supportive housing staff — you put the support in supportive housing. I’ve seen firsthand how your work can transform someone’s future. To the residents and future residents: welcome home.”
Additional remarks were made by: Doreen Harris, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); Richard Brown, Director of Housing Development, IMPACCT Brooklyn; Daniel Fennessey, Board Chair, IMPACCT Brooklyn; and James Hendon, Commissioner, NYC Department of Veterans’ Services.
Building amenities include 24-hour security, laundry room, community room, bike room, backyard area and a rooftop garden. Designed with sustainability in mind, 778 Myrtle Avenue incorporates NYSERDA New Construction Program (NCP) measures, including water conservation measures; energy-efficient HVAC, refrigerators, and all Energy Star appliances; and solar roof panels.
Financing for the project is provided by a construction loan from Chase, tax credit equity syndicated by Richman, subsidy through the supportive housing loan program by NYC HPD, an allocation of tax credits from NYS Homes and Community Renewal, energy incentives through NYSERDA and Con Edison, Reso A funding from Chi Osse's office, a permanent loan insured by Fannie Mae and a pre-development loan from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).
The general contractor is Mega and the architect is Urban Architectural Initiatives (UAI).