NEW YORK — HELP ONE Buildings A and B officially opened in East New York at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by government officials, community representatives, and building residents, among others. The $129 million development reflects New York City’s and New York State’s commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable housing, especially for the most vulnerable New Yorkers. This first phase of a planned four-building complex that will add more than 500 affordable apartments and upwards of 2000 new jobs, strengthens HELP USA’s long-term commitment to Brooklyn.
NYC Council Member, District 42, Chris Banks said, “HELP USA’s commitment to East New York shines brightly with a significant $129 million investment, marking the inauguration of 255 new apartments. Among these residences, 154 units have been thoughtfully earmarked to provide essential housing for formerly homeless adults and young families with children. This initiative not only addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in the community but also embodies HELP USA’s unwavering dedication to supporting vulnerable populations on their journey to stability and self-sufficiency.”
“Our administration is focused on solving our housing supply crisis, which also requires ensuring that the most vulnerable New Yorkers have access to safe, affordable housing and supportive services,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “HELP ONE, built in collaboration with City, State, and private partners, is an example of how many New Yorkers are building together to solve our intertwined needs. Homeless and vulnerable families deserve the quality housing that these 255 homes will provide.”
Developed by HELPDevCo, with funding from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, NYC Housing Development Corporation, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Bank of New York Mellon, Regions Affordable Housing, and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the new buildings fill a dire need for permanent affordable and supportive housing in NYC. Supportive services are contracted with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and in coordination with the New York City Human Resources Administration.
The site is the original location of HELP’s first family shelter, founded in 1986 by former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo. It was constructed through a then-unprecedented public-private partnership between New York City and State government agencies, developers, and non-profits. Following this transformative transitional housing project, HELP USA began developing permanent affordable housing in 1992, again investing in East New York, constructing Genesis Homes, 150 supportive apartments for families, half of whom were formerly homeless. These models set a national standard presented to Congress and have been widely replicated; their echoes are seen today in the new project nearly 40 years later.
Building A, comprising 184 homes will reserve 60% of units for formerly homeless young families. Building B, has 71 homes, with 60% of its units reserved for formerly homeless adults dealing with mental health and substance abuse concerns. HELP USA will provide supportive services through New York City’s 15/15 Program.
Designed to meet sustainability standards, HELP ONE was an inaugural winner of NYSERDA’s Buildings of Excellence Competition for building design that implements advanced, climate-specific design strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.
HELP USA will provide supportive services for residents, including mental health counseling, parenting classes, certified art therapist-led workshops, case management, and employment assistance. Additionally, the on-site staff will facilitate connections to community resources, anchor the new residents in the neighborhood, and provide support to help ensure long-term housing stability.
