Categories: New York City, Openings
03.13.2024
On the afternoon of March 12th, friends and partners gathered to celebrate the opening of VIP Community Services’ Ruiz Butter House, a new supportive/affordable building providing 78 new affordable apartments on 1899 Crotona Avenue in the Bronx, 65 of which are supportive. Services and operations will be provided by VIP Community Services and funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
VIP Chief Operating Officer Opal Dunston opened the event, giving a bit of background on how the project came together and congratulating all the partners.
She then introduced VIP Executive Director Debbian Fletcher-Blake who thanked funders and supporters and spoke about VIP’s long history in housing and fighting for those who are homeless, and struggle with behavioral health “This building embodies our mission – providing stable housing as well as person-centered services that allow tenants to live with dignity,”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson spoke next noting how important projects like this are and pointed out the impacts lack of quality affordable housing has on communities, children and families.
OTDA’s Jason Harper spoke next congratulating the team on the opening of this beautiful addition to the neighborhood.
Ruiz Butter House tenant Luz Defex told those assembled: “I was in the shelter for two years before I got this place, and I want to say: It’s possible! Be patient! I want to say that I’m grateful -- that I have a key -- that I have a home -- and I want to thank all of you for giving me that opportunity.”
Also speaking were building manager Mark Gjonai and VIP staff members. In attendance were Leonardo Coello, Bronx Borough Director of the Mayor’s Office for Community Affairs, Michael Martinez, Community Liaison for Sen. Nathalia Fernandez, Peter Rivera, Richter Restrepo PLLC, and Juton M. Hortsman, Director of Planning and Development for Bronx Borough President Gibson. ·
The Ruiz Butter House is named after one of VIP’s former CEOs who had been instrumental in starting the organization’s focus on shelter and housing. Amenities include 24/7 staffing, clinical staff, a computer room and and a community room.
The building was developed by Paul Gjonai and is being leased by VIP Services. Badaly Architects designed the building.