True North Apartments Includes 35 Units with Supportive Services for Formerly Homeless New Yorkers and a Wellness Clinic

Supplements New York State's Ongoing Efforts to Expand Affordable and Permanent Supportive Housing Opportunities Across the State

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and New York Homes and Community Renewal today announced construction has begun on True North Apartments, a 70-unit affordable and supportive housing development and wellness clinic in Rochester. The $38 million development will create apartments for low-income residents, including 35 units with supportive services for older adults, individuals, and families who have experienced homelessness.

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program's investment in True North Apartments will provide Monroe County residents, including older adults, individuals, and families who have experienced homelessness, with safe, affordable apartments and easy access to support services that will help them thrive. Thank you to Governor Hochul for making increasing the supply of permanent supportive housing options a priority in New York State and to our state and local partners for their hard work and commitment to developing this much-needed project.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “True North Apartments is a critical step forward in addressing the housing needs of vulnerable populations in Rochester. This transformative project will not only provide 70 affordable homes, but also offer a wellness clinic and essential supportive services to those who have experienced homelessness, giving them the stability and resources they need to thrive. The partnership between DePaul Properties, the city of Rochester, and state agencies demonstrates the power of collaboration in achieving our shared goal of creating a more inclusive, supportive housing environment. We remain committed to expanding access to affordable housing across New York State, ensuring that every New Yorker has a place to call home.”

Developed by DePaul Properties, Inc.—a not-for-profit health and human services organization established in 1958 and based in Rochester—True North Apartments involves the construction of two residential buildings on two separate sites. Services for the supportive apartments will be provided by DePaul Community Services, Inc. and Person Centered Housing Options (PCHO), and will include life skills training, health care education and assistance, and community reintegration activities.

A wellness clinic on a third site will be operated by the Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency (FLACRA). The clinic will be open to the community and will provide mental health and substance use counseling and recovery groups, medication-assisted treatment, and case management.

True North Apartments will be affordable to households with incomes ranging from 30 percent to 80 percent of Area Median Income. The development is conveniently located near retail and services, and amenities will include on-site property manager and staff offices, community rooms, computer labs, lounges, and in-unit resident storage.

The project is also a collaborative partnership with the Rochester Interfaith Development Corporation, FLACRA, and PCHO, which furthers the goals and objectives of the city's Faith in Action initiative to develop affordable housing.

Capital funding for True North Apartments includes $5.5 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, $30 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and a $750,000 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME grant through the city of Rochester.

HCR's investment consists of $10.5 million in subsidy, including $2 million under the Rural and Urban Community Investment Fund for the Wellness Clinic, as well as Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $19.4 million in equity.

In addition, operating funding for the project is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for investing in low-income housing, including units for older adults, individuals, and families experiencing homelessness in Rochester. Hundreds of individuals are currently experiencing homelessness in our city — the True North Apartments are an example of how we can uplift marginalized individuals by offering the resources they need for reintegration, wellness, and success.”

Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello said, “We are grateful for Governor Hochul's commitment to supportive and affordable housing in Monroe County as evidenced by this investment in the True North housing project. This will be an important addition to the housing options we have available for people with limited incomes, and the inclusion of the on-site wellness clinic and support services will mean that residents will have the help they need to stay safe, healthy and housed.”

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, “This project is a symbol of what we can achieve when our city, county, state, and community partners unite with a shared mission to provide stable, affordable, and supportive housing. Thanks to New York State, DePaul, and our many public and private partners, we are building a Rochester where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, creating neighborhoods of pride and possibility.”

DePaul President Mark H. Fuller said, “DePaul looks forward to expanding our ability to change lives with stable housing in Monroe County. We wish to thank Governor Hochul, New York State, and all of our community partners and funders for providing the funding and support in making the True North Apartments a reality.”

Governor Hochul's Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York's housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York's housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. As part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 50,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. To date, more than 230 communities have been certified, including Rochester.