A new $72 million affordable and supportive housing development in the village of Hempstead has been completed.
Estella Housing, the newly constructed five-story building, provides 95 affordable apartments, including 42 supportive homes for vulnerable individuals and veterans experiencing homelessness, and helps address the critical need for affordable housing in Nassau County. This project is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“Nassau County needs affordable housing opportunities that are close to transit, jobs, and essential services, and that provide long-term stability for individuals and families,” Hochul said. “Estella Housing showcases our efforts to make communities like Hempstead more affordable and how we can support our most vulnerable New Yorkers, so they have access to the services they need to thrive.”
“Serving All Who Served means recognizing that every Veteran deserves more than gratitude — they deserve stability, dignity, and the opportunity to build a secure future in the communities they call home,” said Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen, the state’s Veterans’ Services Commissioner. “Estella Housing is a meaningful investment in that promise, providing Veterans who have experienced homelessness with safe, supportive housing and access to services that can help them move forward.”
Located at the corner of Bedell Street and Main Street, Estella Housing transforms a long-vacant bus parking lot into a vibrant, transit-oriented community within walking distance of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Hempstead Station and the Nassau Inter-County Express bus terminal.
The development includes 95 apartments affordable to households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income and one apartment reserved for a superintendent.
The 42 apartments reserved for vulnerable individuals and veterans experiencing homelessness include 30 apartments supported through the New York State Office of Mental Health’s (OMH) Community Residence Single Room Occupancy program and 12 apartments supported through an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by OMH.
Residents have access to supportive services provided by Concern for Independent Living, including case management, assistance accessing medical and behavioral health care, employment services, substance use treatment and other community-based resources.
“This was a long process, and it took a real commitment from all of our partners to get us here,” said Ralph Fasano, the executive director of Concern Housing.
Eleven apartments are fully accessible and adapted for residents with mobility impairments, while four apartments are equipped for residents with hearing or vision impairments.
The development includes more than 5,000 square feet of ground-floor community facility space occupied by Morrison Mentors, a nonprofit organization focused on providing STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education, mentoring, and workforce development programming. Residents are provided a range of amenities designed to support resident well-being, including a community room with computers, a fitness center, a courtyard garden, laundry facilities, storage space and on-site supportive services offices.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Estella Housing is providing nearly 100 apartments that will give its residents the type of stability that can change lives. By pairing affordable homes with on-site support services, transit access, and energy-efficient design, this development is helping create a stronger future for Hempstead and Nassau County.”
“Affordable, stable housing is critical for mental health and overall well-being,” the state’s Mental Health Commissioner, Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan, said. “Estella Housing will provide individuals in Nassau County with a welcoming home and a range of supportive services on-site that will help them thrive in their community.”
Estella Housing is all-electric and designed to exceed Energy Star Multifamily New Construction standards by approximately 25%, utilizing energy-efficient features including heat pump technology for heating, cooling and domestic hot water, and native landscaping that reduces water consumption.
Financing for Estella Housing includes HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, which generated $28.7 million in equity and $28.8 million in subsidies. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided $8.6 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Empire State Development provided $1 million that was recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. OMH provided $12 million in capital funding.
Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The completion of Estella Housing provides adults who have experienced homelessness with much-needed affordable homes and access to supportive services that will enable them to live independently in the community of their choice.”
Local elected officials were glad to see the development finally completed.
“The housing crisis in Nassau County is leaving families and the most vulnerable in our community without options to put a roof over their heads,” said U.S. Representative Laura Gillen (D-Garden City). “That’s why innovative projects like Estella Housing are so important. These affordable homes will provide stability and opportunity for hundreds of Long Islanders.”
State Senator Siela Bynoe (D-Westbury) said, “This visionary project will allow residents to live in the heart of the Village of Hempstead near local eateries and accessible transportation. I am especially glad that this project includes supportive units for veterans who are experiencing homelessness.”
“Seeing Estella Housing officially open its doors at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Village of Hempstead was truly inspiring. I’m proud to celebrate a project that will provide stability, opportunity, and hope for so many families,” Assemblymember Noah Burroughs (D-Hempstead) added.
Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks (D-Uniondale) said, “Estella Housing represents the very best of what we can accomplish when we invest in people and the future of our communities. Our veterans have served our nation with honor, and this development is one way we can help repay that service by ensuring they have the stability and support they deserve.”
“As Americans, we have a duty to meet the needs of the men and women who bravely wore the uniform of our nation’s armed forces — and the completion of Estella Housing in Hempstead Village represents a significant step forward in this mission,” said Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis (D-Rockville Centre).
Hempstead Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. said, “Revitalizing downtown Hempstead is not just a goal — it is a commitment. As Mayor, I am dedicated to creating a thriving, vibrant community. Estella Housing represents the kind of smart investment we need, and this project is another step forward in building the Hempstead our community deserves.”