HELP USA has broken ground on a major affordable housing development that will bring 255 low-income and supportive homes to Brooklyn, New York, with 154 units for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness.
With a $129 million total development cost, HELP ONE Buildings A and B will help fill a dire need for affordable housing and bring stability to more than 255 households, said officials.
“Thirty years ago we opened our first shelter on this site,” said Tom Hameline, president and CEO of HELP USA. “Since then we’ve worked tirelessly to serve communities and families who are underresourced and underserved. We are so proud to stand on the spot where it all began, with our partners at the state and city, and continue that work. A stable home and a supportive community can make all the difference, and we’re happy to provide both with this new development.”
Building A will comprise 184 homes, a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with 60% of the units reserved for formerly homeless young families. Supportive services will be provided by HELP though the New York City 15/15 Program. Additionally, Building A will be the new home of one of HELP USA’s nonresidential community service programs, HELP ROADS, a counseling and support team that serves survivors of domestic violence.
Building B will comprise 71 homes, a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments with 60% of the units reserved for formerly homeless adults with mental health and substance abuse concerns. Supportive services will be provided by HELP USA though the New York City 15/15 Program.
Funding was provided by a coalition of governmental and private sources including: New York City Housing Preservation and Development, New York City Housing Development Corp., New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Bank of New York Mellon, and Regions Affordable Housing.
HELP ONE Buildings A and B are the first phase of a planned four-building complex that will provide more than 500 affordable apartments. When complete, all apartments will share service space, a courtyard with playground, a dog park, built-in grills, and picnic and passive use areas.
Located in the East New York section of Brooklyn, with easy access to public transportation, pharmacies, grocery stores, and public parks, the development will feature energy-efficient windows, fixtures, and an integrated solar array.
Help ONE was awarded $1 million as part of New York State’s inaugural $40 million Buildings of Excellence Competition for building design that implements advanced, climate-specific design strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. This competition, administered by NYSERDA supports New York State’s nation leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050.
