October 07, 2021
New York State Announces Start of Construction on $6.8 Million Supportive Housing Development in Rochester
Open Door Mission’s Miller Building Will Include 24 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing
Apartments to Include Supportive Services on Site for Formerly Homeless Individuals
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance today announced that construction has started on Open Door Mission’s $6.8 million project to develop 24 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals at the Miller Building in Rochester. Funded through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, the apartments will be occupied by individuals dealing with severe mental illness, struggling with substance use disorder and youth ages 18-25.
“This project will provide much-needed housing and supportive services to some of Rochester’s most vulnerable residents and advance our efforts to tackle homelessness across New York State,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Executive Deputy Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn. “We are excited to be working with Open Door Mission and look forward to the completed renovation of the Miller Building.”
The vacant Miller Building on West Main Street, which Open Door Mission already owns, will be completely renovated to include 13 studio and 11 one-bedroom apartments. Residents will have access to on-site support services.
Open Door Mission operates three other facilities offering emergency or transitional shelter in Monroe County. Funding for the project includes more than $6.5 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, with Open Door Mission covering the remaining construction costs. Operating funding will be provided through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “The Open Door Mission has long been regarded as a community leader as advocates for those who experience housing insecurity. This construction at the Miller Building further solidifies their commitment to provide quality and affordable housing. These new supportive housing units will help to address the root causes of homelessness and play an important role in reducing poverty, which will allow our most vulnerable neighbors to live in dignity. I am proud that New York State funding is being distributed to this project and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support for the citizens of Rochester.”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “A safe and stable home is one of the most basic necessities that too many members of our community have been without for too long. Without dependable housing, struggling community members and families are denied the opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty and provide for their loved ones. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and the members of Open Door Mission for demonstrating their support to the disenfranchised residents of our community. I hope that this investment represents the start of a growing commitment towards providing stable housing and effective resources for our homeless sisters and brothers.”
Open Door Mission Executive Director Anna Valeria-Iseman said, “We are excited for this long awaited chapter at Open Door Mission to convert our Miller Building into housing units. Open Door Mission is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, homelessness and addiction and the successful construction of these housing units will establish a strong path to recovery, financial independence and lasting restoration for the people we serve.”
The Homeless Housing Assistance Program provides capital grants and loans to not-for-profit corporations, charitable and religious organizations, and municipalities to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate housing for persons who are unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance. The grants are awarded through a competitive process by the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation, a public benefit corporation staffed by OTDA.
So far this year, the program has allocated nearly $25 million to eight projects that will create or preserve 213 units of supportive housing and repair emergency shelters throughout the state. Last year, the program provided funding to 30 projects that will add 881 units of supportive housing and repair emergency shelters.