DHCR Announces Funding for Supportive Housing

ALBANY, NY (09/23/2008)(readMedia)-- State officials joined with supportive housing advocates today to mark the official opening of the Fredonia Special Needs apartments in Chautauqua County, which will provide safe and affordable housing as well as support services to people living with psychiatric and physical disabilities.

Deborah VanAmerongen, commissioner of the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) also announced that her agency had approved funding awards to two other supportive housing complexes, one in Seneca Falls, Seneca County and another in Batavia, Genesee County.

VanAmerongen was joined by Ted Houghton, executive director of the Supportive Housing Network of NY (SHNNY), Thomas Whitney, executive director of Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc, (STEL) a non-profit agency that provides rehabilitative and support services to people with psychiatric disabilities. Also celebrating the opening were representatives from from the state Office of Mental Health (OMH) the Department of Health (DOH) and Community Development Initiatives of NY, Inc (CDI).

Governor David A Paterson said "Supportive housing is a cost-effective and long-term solution to a serious problem. It allows us to reduce our reliance on high-cost crisis care and emergency housing, and provides permanence and stability to people's lives and to their communities."

VanAmerongen said "I am so proud to have provided resources for these valuable projects, and proud to serve a Governor who understands the importance of supportive housing. These homes will allow people to live their lives with independence and dignity."

Michael F. Hogan, Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, said, "Congratulations to Commissioner VanAmerongen and the Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. on this great project in Fredonia. Having a clean and comfortable place to live is the foundation of recovery for people with a mental illness. OMH appreciates the efforts of DHCR, STEL and other housing developers, as well as the advocacy and assistance of the Supportive Housing Network, and looks forward to future collaborations to develop integrated, affordable housing throughout New York."

Ted Houghton, executive director of the SHNNY, said, "These new residences are a triumph of partnership and ingenuity on the part of DHCR, OMH, STEL and CDI. These new residences represent a win/win/win: they will transform blighted buildings into quality residences, provide state-of-the-art support and assistance to help disabled tenants live in dignity and hope and simultaneously create jobs and spur economic activity. These investments in supportive housing improve all New Yorkers' lives."

The Fredonia Special Needs SRO will provide 24 affordable rental units with on-site support services and 24-hour management. The co-developers of the project are Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL) and Community Development Initiatives of NY, Inc. DHCR provided $940,000 from the Housing Trust Fund Corp, as well as tax credits through the Federal Low-Income Housing Credit program which are expected to produce more than $1.9 million in additional equity.

Seneca Lane, in the town of Seneca Falls, will provide 37 rental units, 26 of which will serve special populations, including low-income families and people living with psychiatric disabilities. The state Office of Mental Health has provided $2.9 million in funding for Seneca Lane and DHCR provided federal tax credits which are expected to provide $6.4 million in additional equity. Lakeview Mental Health System, Inc. is the developer, owner and managing agent of the project.

Batavia Special Needs Apartments will consist of 42 rental units for very low income families and people living with mental illness. STEL is the co-developer and managing agent and DePaul Properties is co-developer and owner. The Office of Mental Health provided $3.7 million for the Batavia project, and DHCR contributed Federal Tax Credits expected to produce $5.6 million in additional equity.

-30-