Grace Brown House Will Provide 25 Affordable and Supportive Homes for Formerly Homeless Families
Project Advances «CNY Rising» and is Part of the Governor’s Unprecedented$20 Billion, Five-Year Affordable Housing Plan
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of construction on Grace Brown House, a $7.7 million affordable housing development in Cortland County. Financed with assistance from the state Homes and Community Renewal, the project will provide 25 homes and supportive services for families at risk of experiencing homelessness.
«An important component of building our state back better than it was before is ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to safe, affordable housing,» Governor Cuomo said.
«Grace Brown House will provide stable homes and critical services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Cortland County, which in turn will help Central New York communities confront the root causes of homelessness.»
Grace Brown House will consist of a single three-story building with 18 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom apartments, with all units reserved for individuals or families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. The project is being developed by Christopher Community, Inc., with supportive services -including case management, legal, educational, and vocational services -provided by the YWCA of Cortland.
State support for the Grace Brown House includes the allocation of federal low-income housing tax credits that will generate about $4.6 million in equity and $365,000 in subsidy from Homes and Community Renewal. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which is administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, is providing $1.9 million.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is providing approximately $25,000 in grant funding to the project. In addition, the Federal Home Loan Bank is providing $500,000. Supportive services and operating funding will be provided under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 50 percent of the area median income. The project includes two apartments adapted to be fully accessible for individuals with mobility impairments and two units fully accessible for individuals with hearing or vision impairments.
Building amenities will include a community room, a children’s play area, common laundry facilities, a computer lab, property manager and supportive services staff offices, an outdoor patio, and a playground. There is a public transportation pick-up and drop-off location in front of the site.
Grace Brown House is part of Governor Cuomo’s unprecedented $20 billion, five-year affordable housing plan. The Governor’s plan will provide all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing.
The project also builds on the Governor’s overall strategy to revitalize communities and grow the economy across the state, including «Central NY Rising,» the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested $296 million in the Central New York region to create or preserve over 4,000 affordable homes.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, «Safe and secure affordable housing provides residents with the opportunity put down roots and live with the support and stability they need and deserve. Thanks to our partnership with Christopher Community and the YWCA of Cortland, all 25 households that will soon call Grace Brown House home will have access to services designed to meet each family’s unique needs. We are proud to be part of a project that will expand housing options in Cortland County and keep Central New York rising.»
OTDA Commissioner Mike Hein said, «Our efforts to confront homelessness begin with providing a greater number of safe, affordable homes throughout New York State. Projects like the Grace Brown House take this strategy a step further by coupling these homes with the supportive services at-risk individuals and families can rely on to address underlying issues that contributed to them experiencing homelessness. I applaud Governor Cuomo’s steadfast commitment toward addressing the root causes of housing insecurity and implementing real strategies to end homelessness throughout our state.»
Justin Rudgick, President of Christopher Community, Inc. said, «There’s a tremendous need for high quality affordable housing with supportive services in this community. We appreciate the support of our project partners in working collaboratively to bring Grace Brown House from conception to reality. The Grace Brown House will make a positive difference in the lives of the 25 families that will call this home.»
Senator Peter Oberacker said, «Quality, affordable housing pays community dividends in so many ways. Grace Brown House addresses a key need in Cortland and will provide a critical foundation for families in need. The connection with the YWCA of Cortland makes this project truly special and ensures that families will receive support services that will help them succeed moving forward.»
Kelly Tobin, Executive Director YWCA Cortland said, «For over 40 years YWCA Cortland has been providing comprehensive victim services to the Cortland community through the Aid to Victims of Violence program. Six years ago we identified the need to expand housing services and the availability of affordable, safe housing, particularly to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Grace Brown House exemplifies how our YWCA works doggedly to anticipate and address community needs. We are excited to extend the AVV program and services to this new housing facility in 2022. It is just one example of how the YWCA continues to strive to bring cutting-edge services to the Cortland area, and we don’t plan on stopping here.»
Assembly Member Anna Kelles said, «It is very exciting to see construction begin on this critical project. Housing is a fundamental human right and Grace Brown House will add much-needed affordable housing to Cortland County, with homes for 25 low-income families and access to supportive services by the YWCA. It is essential, especially as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis, that we continue to increase support for programs that generate community development and expand access to truly affordable housing.»
Accelerating CNY Rising
Today’s announcement complements «Central NY Rising,» the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The state has already invested more than $6.3 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship, and creating an inclusive economy. Now, the region is accelerating Central NY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The state’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.