Lily House Creates 30 Apartments with Supportive Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Their Families Who Have Experienced Homelessness

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 today announced the opening of Lily House, a 30-unit supportive housing building in the Bronx for domestic violence survivors and their families who have experienced homelessness. The $8.7 million project renovated a vacant former shelter into apartments with supportive services and was supported with $6 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.

"We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her strong support of the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and for rightly recognizing the power of supportive housing to transform the lives of some of our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers," said New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn. "Domestic violence is the number one driver of family homelessness in New York City. Lily House will provide survivors with safe, affordable housing that includes onsite access to family support services that will help them remain housed and prosper for years to come. Thank you to all our partners who supported this important project and special thanks to our longtime partner New Destiny Housing for their steadfast leadership in providing supportive housing and trauma-informed services to survivors of domestic violence."

Developed by New Destiny Housing Corporation, Lily House involved the rehabilitation and conversion of a former transitional domestic violence shelter into permanent supportive housing units and added three additional units. Founded in 1994, New Destiny Housing is New York State's largest provider of supportive housing for survivors of domestic violence, and the only organization solely focused on permanent housing solutions for New Yorkers impacted by abuse.

The original Lily House, developed by New Destiny, opened in 2005 and operated as a domestic violence shelter successfully for 15 years. In 2020, the shelter operator's lease expired, and the shelter was relocated leaving the building vacant. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) provided $4 million in funding for the construction of the original shelter. Lilly House was New Destiny's first HHAP award and project.

The newly-renovated Lily House will include a large community room for tenant meetings and activities and children's activities, private offices and a small conference room for New Destiny Family Support Program staff, and laundry rooms. The rear yard will have a playground for young children and passive seating areas for adults and children.

Support services, provided by New Destiny, include housing services, financial/budgeting assistance, educational services, employment enhancement and retention, health education, parenting skills, case management, and transportation assistance.

Additional capital funding for Lily House includes $2.6 million from The Community Preservation Corporation. Operating funding for the project is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) is an important component 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. In addition to playing a central role in the development of permanent supportive housing in New York State, HHAP provides capital funding that is vital to constructing, rehabilitating, and repairing emergency shelters.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “Safe and affordable housing is vital in both the response to and prevention of gender-based violence. When victims and survivors have a home they can be proud of, we know it helps tremendously in their healing journeys. Thank you, New Destiny, for not only providing homes, but giving victims and survivors a community that embraces their unique needs. And thank you, Governor Hochul, for your commitment to serving and protecting those impacted by domestic violence.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Supportive housing is one of the most effective methods we have to prevent and remedy homelessness and is an important part of our larger affordable housing plan. The resources and programs that Governor Hochul's supportive housing programs finance helps thousands of New Yorkers regain their dignity and footing, providing secure homes and the social services and training people need to live independently and more productively. New York State invests in organizations such as New Destiny so that Lily House can continue to provide the safety and support people need to make a fresh start.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “The New Destiny Housing Corporation's Lily House, ensures that survivors of domestic violence and their families who have experienced homelessness get the housing they so rightfully need and deserve. With many suffering through the trauma, and hardship that comes as a result, Lily House seeks to provide a space for recovery. Along with on-site counseling, they provide financial and budget assistance, educational services, space for children's activities, and so much more. I can't thank Governor Kathy Hochul enough for demonstrating her care and compassion for individuals suffering, both here and around the state making certain they are left feeling empowered and strengthened with the resolve that they recover.”

New Destiny Housing CEO Nicole Branca said, "Supportive housing is one of the most effective housing models for survivors of domestic violence that need ongoing support to heal from the physical, mental, and financial effects of abuse. We are incredibly proud to have transformed what was previously a transitional shelter into a place that 30 survivors and their families will be able to call home. Lily House is a testament to what is possible when the State, nonprofits, and private funders work together to better our communities. As the federal government threatens vital housing resources for survivors, we want to thank Governor Hochul, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and Community Preservation Corporation for their steadfast support for this project and those impacted by domestic violence among us. We look forward to further partnerships as we continue to develop new supportive housing options for survivors across New York."