Governor Hochul Announces Completion of 83-Unit Affordable and Supportive Housing Development in the Bronx

The 50 supportive apartments are reserved for formerly homeless seniors who will receive on-site services provided by Comunilife, including case management, recreational programming, health services, and connections to community-based resources. Rental and operating subsidies for the supportive apartments are funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI). All of the units are available to households earning up to 40 percent of the Area Median Income.

El Hogar Residence is an all-electric building with high-performance heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems. Appliances meet or exceed Energy Star standards, and the development incorporates energy-efficient lighting and other sustainable building features designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities certification requirements.

The new building includes a community room with a kitchen and computer area, office space for supportive service staff, resident recreation areas, a bike room, tenant storage, laundry facilities, and landscaped outdoor space. Residents also receive free broadband internet access in their apartments and throughout the building's common areas.

The development was built on land purchased from SBH Health System and designed with accessibility, health, and aging in place as central priorities. Several apartments are fully accessible and adapted for residents with mobility impairments, while additional units are equipped for residents with hearing and visual impairments.

Financing includes a mix of public and private sources, including Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from HCR that are expected to generate more than $19 million in equity. The project also benefits from more than $11 million in HCR subsidy, $5.9 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), and $6 million in ESSHI funding from the Department of Health (DOH). Additional financing included $11.6 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and $700,000 in New York City RESO A funding.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "El Hogar Residence demonstrates how affordable housing can provide so much more than a place to live. These beautiful new homes will give the older adults who move in the stability, dignity and support they need to both remain independent and be connected to the surrounding community. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we are making the investments necessary to expand our housing supply while ensuring that seniors and vulnerable residents have the resources they need to thrive."

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "Thanks to Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State has continued to invest in expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing across the state, recognizing its power to change lives and strengthen communities. Older adults who have experienced homelessness will have not only a safe, stable, and affordable home at El Hogar Residence, but easy access to supportive services. Congratulations to Comunilife and our state and local partners on the completion of these essential homes."

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "I thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and creating conditions that allow New Yorkers to live healthier, more independent lives. This meaningful investment in healthy aging provides residents with a place to call home and supportive services. Quality resources and stable housing lead to healthier people and communities."

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, "In this time of uncertainty and extreme cost of living, this new development for seniors is welcome. The completion of El Hogar Residence will provide supportive homes for formerly unhoused older adults and affordable apartments for seniors. Thanks to Governor Hochul's investment in the Bronx, this development will give low-income residents in my district the opportunity to live a dignified and stable life, especially later in life, after so many have spent decades struggling to make ends meet."