Categories: New York State, Member News, Groundbreakings
02.27.2026
On February 25th, YWCA NorthEastern New York (YWCA NENY) and Xenolith Partners LLC joined their project partners and elected officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of Harbor House. Harbor House rehabilitates the existing YWCA building to preserve 42 homes and once complete, additionally a new supportive housing residence will also bring 54 apartments for women and their families to YWCA NENY’s existing campus in Schenectady’s Stockade District. On-site supportive services will be provided by YWCA NorthEastern New York and funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara Guinn remarked, “Supportive Housing is such a special program.”
YWCA NorthEastern New York CEO Kim Siciliano predicts that this project will position the YWCA to continue to be a positive force for the next century, vowing that “success is a project that is always under construction.”
Remarks were also provided by Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy and Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara.
Building amenities include an existing gymnasium which will be restored in accordance with National Park Service standards and will offer fitness programming for tenants and community members, large community rooms, and a beautifully landscaped outdoor space. Harbor House uses trauma-informed design guidelines to create a sense of safety, support, and community.
Financing for this project comes from Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Clean Energy Initiative, Schenectady County and the city of Schenectady.
The general contractor is Christa Construction and the architect is Magnusson Architecture & Planning.