Fresh Start Apartments Includes 11 Studio Apartments with Supportive Services for Formerly Homeless Women

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance today announced that construction is underway on Fresh Start Apartments in Newburgh, which will provide 11 units of permanent supportive housing for women who have experienced homelessness. This project is being developed by the Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP), the designated anti-poverty agency in Orange County.

“Fresh Start Apartments will provide safe and affordable housing for women who have experienced homelessness in Newburgh, along with supportive services that can help them stabilize their lives and their housing situation,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn. “This collaboration with RECAP and our state and local partners underscores the importance of all of us working together to expand the supply of supportive housing and strengthen communities throughout New York State.”

“Stable housing is a cornerstone of recovery, and these new supportive apartments will offer a safe, healing environment in which to live,” said New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham. “By addressing housing insecurity and possible substance use challenges, we are creating new opportunities for recovery, independence, and long-term well-being.”

The $5.9 million project involves the new construction of a three-story, 11,000-square-foot building that will also include 11 studio apartments with onsite laundry facilities, as well as office and communal space. Residents will receive case management services from onsite staff and have access to all of RECAP's support services and their many partner organizations.

Capital funding for Fresh Start Apartments includes $4.9 million through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and $900,000 in federal Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funding through Orange County. Pre-development funding was also provided by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and the City of Newburgh.

In addition, operating funding and rental subsidies for the project are being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through OASAS.

Fresh Start Apartments is part of Governor Hochul's 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.

Charles Quinn, CEO of RECAP, said, “Today marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing safe, stable housing for women in recovery. The groundbreaking of Fresh Start Apartments is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication of our partners. We are deeply grateful to the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, Orange County, the City of Newburgh, and all our funding and service partners for making this project possible. By working together, we are building more than just housing, we are creating a foundation for healing and hope. We look forward to cutting the ribbon on these completed apartments within the year and welcoming residents to their new homes.”