Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on February 16, 2017 that $14.4 million has been awarded to three housing projects in Bronx. In addition to federal funding, these awards will help create 319 units, including 142 supportive housing units for homeless families and individuals, including senior citizens, women and their children.
“This funding will help build much-needed housing for some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers and provide them access to the resources and services needed to improve their lives,” Governor Cuomo said. “These new housing units will help ensure men, women and children across Bronx will have access to the supportive and affordable housing they deserve, as we continue our efforts to end chronic homelessness and build a stronger, healthier New York for all.”
Funding was awarded through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The organizations receiving funding are:
Project Renewal – $6.2 million
Funding awarded to help construct a 13-story building in Bedford Park that will include 71 units of supportive housing for homeless families and individuals. Supportive services will include mental health and substance abuse services, nutritional counseling, occupational therapy, family planning, parenting skills and legal services. The total cost of the project is $55.3 million and a total of 118 units of housing will be created. This includes support from Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Construction is expected to begin in June 2017 and the building is expected to be ready for occupancy in June 2019.
New Destiny – $5 million
Funding awarded to help build an eight-story building in the Crotona Park East section of Bronx that will include 23 units of supportive housing for homeless women, including those with children. Supportive services will include case management, eviction prevention services, legal assistance, medical and mental health services, linkages to child care, parenting support and job training. The total cost of the project is $25.2 million and a total of 42 units of housing will be created. This includes support from New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Construction is expected to begin in July 2017 and the building is expected ready for occupancy in December 2018.
West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing – $3.1 million
Funding awarded to help construct a nine-story apartment building, Mill Brook Terrace, in Mott Haven. Mill Brook Terrace will include 48 units of supportive housing for homeless senior citizens. Supportive services will include case management, counseling, social activities, nutritional services and medication supervision. The total cost of the project is $80 million and a total of 159 units of housing will be created. This includes support from Federal Income Housing Tax Credits. Construction is expected to begin in June 2017 and the building is expected to be ready for occupancy in June 2019.
These projects are part of Governor Cuomo’s $20 billion Homelessness and Affordable Housing Action Plan, which includes $10 billion dedicated to preserving 100,000 units of affordable housing and $10 billion devoted to tackling homelessness by developing 6,000 new, permanent supportive housing units. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program is a key part of the Governor’s plan.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, “Governor Cuomo has laid out a comprehensive plan to address homelessness in New York State and we will continue to do all we can to in support of those efforts. Supportive housing ensures that homeless families and individuals have a roof over their heads, as well as the services needed to help them overcome the circumstances that may have contributed to them becoming homeless.”
U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat said, “Affordable housing is a critical component of New York’s long-term viability and our continued economic success. I commend Governor Cuomo on today’s announcement to invest $14.4 million to develop these three new housing communities in Bronx, creating 319 additional units for residents. Housing is one of our most critical needs as a society and ensuring affordable housing, shelter and security for individuals, families, senior citizens, women and children remains among a top tenet of our work as public servants.”
Congressman José E. Serrano said, “Everyone deserves to have a shelter from harm and a place to call home. Thanks to this funding, hundreds of low income families and individuals from Bronx, including many that are currently homeless, will be able to have a place to call home.”
Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “By working together with our local, state and federal partners, we are one step closer to ending homelessness in New York State. This funding will help raise our homeless and low-income residents up out of challenging times and provide them with an opportunity to improve their quality of life. I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to increase our borough’s supportive and affordable housing, especially with the construction of Bedford Green House in my district, a project that I have advocated for since 2016. These housing units, along with the supportive mental health and substance abuse services they will provide will support healthier, stronger families throughout Bronx and beyond.”
Assemblyman Michael Blake said, “Affordable housing is vital for community growth, and with this joint funding, we ensure that more New Yorkers have a safe place to call home. This critical investment helps put New York State above the rest when it comes to giving lower income families in Bronx the tools they need to flourish, and I applaud the Governor for his tireless commitment to providing assistance to those who need it in our state.”
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “These investments will lay the groundwork for stronger communities throughout Bronx by providing men and women the support and assistance needed to start fresh with a decent place to call home. Governor Cuomo recognizes the need to invest in our most vulnerable communities in order to ensure our residents have a shot at achieving a better life for themselves and their families, and these projects will help take us closer to achieving that goal.”
