Categories: New York City, Member News, Openings
06.05.2025
On June 3rd, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) YP Senior Residence in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. The 117-unit apartment building provides 37 homes to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. On-site services are provided by Volunteers of America-Greater New York funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) administered by the New York State Department of Health.
VOA-GNY President and CEO Jeffrey R. Ginsburg remarked, “It is an honor to help reverse the growing crisis of senior homelessness while addressing the serious impact social isolation and loneliness can have on the health of older adults. Older New Yorkers deserve to age with dignity and independence, and we are proud to help make this possible.”
New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Administrator Joslyn Carter said, “I commend VOA-GNY for recognizing that older adults face unique challenges in remaining stably housed and for building affordable, supportive housing that will allow senior residents to continue to be vibrant, important members of their community.”
New York State Senator Robert Jackson remarked, “A society is judged by how it treats its elders — and today, we take a proud step forward. The YP Senior Residence is more than brick and mortar — it is policy made personal. It is what happens when we invest in care, not neglect; in permanence, not patches. This building says to our seniors — especially those who have known homelessness — that your journey matters, your dignity matters, and their golden years will not be lived in the shadows. Let this ribbon cutting also be a ribbon of commitment — to build not just housing, but justice, equity, and community.”
New York State Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said, “Ensuring our seniors have access to safe, affordable housing is a top priority. I am proud to celebrate this housing development for the Bronx, a place where our seniors can age with dignity and independence. This is exactly the kind of investment we need to ensure every New Yorker has a safe and supportive place to call home.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “Ensuring our older adults have safe, stable, and affordable housing is not just a promise, but a priority. With the completion of YP Senior Residence, we are taking a significant step forward in allowing our most seasoned residents to age in place with dignity, stability, and the support they deserve.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas remarked, “Older New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to remain in the communities they love, and that means creating affordable apartments that provide the resources and amenities they need to live independently. This $81 million investment will allow more than 100 senior households to stay in The Bronx and offers support to those individuals who need it most. We thank Governor Hochul and each of our partners for their continued commitment to addressing the housing crisis.”
Building amenities include large communal spaces and lounges throughout the building to encourage socialization and combat the crisis of senior isolation. The building also features green and sustainable features to achieve LEED for HOMEs Platinum certification.
Funding for this project comes from the NYS Housing Finance Agency, Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, NYC Housing Preservation & Development, NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program, NYS Homes Community Renewal, NYS Office of Temporary Disability & Assistance, Reso A – Office of the Bronx Borough President, Bronx Delegation of New York City Council, and NYS Energy Research & Development Authority.
The architect is Magnusson Architecture and Planning and the general contractor is Procida Construction.