Read the latest in supportive housing

The Network Hosts Its 2022 Annual Awards Gala

On October 25th, the Network hosted its 2022 Annual Awards Gala: our first in-person gathering following a two-year virtual hiatus. Members and partners from across the entire supportive housing sector joined to celebrate our incredible community, to welcome the Network’s new Executive Director Pascale Leone, to honor two Outstanding Tenants of the Year -- Cynthia Hairston and Maliq Edwards and, of course, to network.

The Network Joins a Coalition of Behavioral Health Advocates for Rallies for an 8.5% COLA

The Network joined a coalition of behavioral health advocates in Albany on October 25th and in New York City on October 26th for rallies calling for an 8.5% COLA in the SFY 2023-24 State Budget. The rallies stressed the collective concerns on the dire workforce shortage challenging the behavioral health sector and urged Governor Hochul to include the statutory COLA, tied to the July CPI-U at 8.5%, in her SFY 2023-24 Executive Budget Proposal.

RESH launches Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing Mentorship Program (RELISH)

On October 7th, a cohort of 27 participants joined the Racial Equity in Supportive Housing (RESH) workgroup at Hunter’s Silberman School of Social Work to kick off the first day of the Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing (RELISH) mentorship program. The day began with introductions, an overview of RESH and the purpose of RELISH, followed by a panel discussion and activity led by Dr. Samuel Aymer.

WSFSSH Opens WSFSSH at West 108th

On a beautiful spring-like morning October 25th, West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH) held a joyous opening of their new supportive/affordable complex ‘WSFSSH at West 108’ with more than 100 partners, staff and well-wishers. The new complex is co-located with the new Valley Lodge shelter and provides 199 apartments for a mix of individuals and families, including 119 supportive.

Comunilife Opens El Borinquen Residence

On October 21st, Comunilife joined local and project partners to celebrate the opening of the El Borinquen Residence in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx. This new affordable and supportive housing residence is named after the indigenous name for Puerto Rico. Of the 148 units, 90 are supportive apartments including 29 for youth aging out of foster care and 61 for formerly homeless adults with special needs. On-site services are provided by Comunilife funded by the NYS Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).

Camber, Slate, and Westhab open Tremont Residences

On October 18th, project partners gathered to celebrate the opening of Tremont Residences, developed by Camber Property Group and Slate Property Group with services by Westhab. The 11-story building in the West Farms area of the Bronx provides 119 affordable apartments of which 71 are supportive funded by the NYS Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the NYS Office of Mental Health.

Mercy Haven Opens Mercy Gardens

On October 7th, Mercy Haven joined project and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of a new supportive housing residence, Mercy Gardens. Located in Central Islip, Long Island, Mercy Gardens is creating 19 new supportive apartments across two buildings for 28 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. On-site services are provided by Mercy Haven through New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)’s New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP).

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Opens Bishop Rene A. Valero Senior Residence

On a sunny October 7th, Catholic Charities Progress of People’s Development Corporation (CCPOP), the affordable housing arm of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens, joined project and government partners for an opening and dedication ceremony for The Bishop Rene A. Valero Senior Residence. Located in Astoria, Queens this new affordable/supportive housing residence is creating 102 new affordable apartments, including 31 supportive for formerly homeless seniors. CCPOP will provide on-site social services funded through NYC 15/15 supportive housing initiative through the Department of Social Services.

October Community Corner

In recognition of Domestic Violence awareness month, we are sharing this article from Anti-Racism Daily (ARD) titled “Prevent Gender-Based Violence Against Women of Color.” In response to the ongoing protests in Iran and gender-based violence against women of color, Anmol Irfan provides insight from community organizers in order to address this global issue.

City Watch: NYC's Affordable Housing Crisis Demands Federal Response, Coalition Says

B-HEARD mental health response pilot has grown less effective, data shows

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