By Hank Russell
A Medford nonprofit organization received a state grant to build permanent supportive housing in Brentwood.
Concern Housing, a not-for-profit organization that provides housing and support services to individuals and families in need, has received $14.9 million from the state to develop 88 units of permanent supportive housing in Brentwood for individuals with mental illness. This is part of a larger project, Joseph’s Village, that includes the rehabilitation of three buildings on the Sisters of Saint Joseph Campus, which will have an additional 88 affordable units.
According to the governor’s office, the buildings will be all-electric and meet the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
“Creating new supportive housing, which combines affordable housing and services, is a fundamental part of our work to address the housing and homelessness crisis in our state,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This investment will help families and individuals who have experienced homelessness across our state remain stably housed while supporting strong neighborhoods and a brighter future for all New Yorkers.”
The grant comes from a package of more than $125 million that was awarded to 13 projects that will create 645 units and nearly 1,000 beds of permanent supportive, transitional, and emergency housing in the Capital District, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Southern Tier, and Western New York for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. It was awarded through a competitive process by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP).
Concern Housing is one of the largest housing agencies of this kind in New York State, currently serving over 1,500 individuals and families in over 250 locations, according to the organization.
Concern Housing Executive Director Ralph Fasano said, “The HHAP award for Joseph’s Village in Brentwood will allow us to restore and repurpose the historic 100-plus-year-old buildings of the Sisters of St. Joseph into 176 units of supportive and affordable housing. This collaboration honors the legacy of the Sisters while creating a vibrant community for individuals and families in need of a safe, dignified place to call home.”