Earlier this week, Governor Kathy Hochul kickstarted the construction of a $32.5 million housing development designed to create affordable and supportive housing in Queens. This new project, known as ‘The Morgan’, is expected to include 50 units tailored to the needs of New Yorkers, with a focus on those living with serious mental illness.
"We are fully committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to affordable housing, including the most vulnerable among us," Governor Hochul said on Governor’s Press Office. The Governor's words align with her broader efforts to enhance specialized housing options across New York. Transitional Services for New York --- the group driving 'The Morgan's' development --- will ensure that 30 of these units come with supportive services like case management and round-the-clock staffing.
The range of services offered at The Morgan will include skill development, conflict management, community integration, and peer support. Intended to foster independence, the project also features 20 units of affordable housing for individuals earning at or below 50 percent of the area median income.
Funding for the project is coming from various sources, with $12.4 million allocated by the State Office of Mental Health (OMH) as part of a billion-dollar investment into mental health initiatives. "By providing stable housing for New Yorkers living with serious mental illness, we can create an environment where they can live and thrive in their community," OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan told Governor’s Press Office. Additionally, funding includes approximately $7 million through Homes and Community Renewal’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, and other investments from the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and New York City’s Supportive Housing Loan Program.
The construction at The Morgan will replace a vacant house with an eight-story building, boasting a library, computer area, outdoor terrace, and other community amenities. True to New York’s sustainable goals, the structure will be an all-electric, energy-efficient space with complimentary Wi-Fi for tenants.
The significance of this project is echoed by State Senator Leroy Comrie who highlighted the importance of creating permanent places for people to transition into post-treatment. "This project helps address one of the biggest gaps in our mental health and housing systems," Commissioner Comrie said on the Governor’s Press Office, emphasizing the need for stable, permanent housing for those ready to move towards independent living.
OMH is on the move to broaden specialized housing, with over 1,200 new units already associated with Governor Hochul’s mental health initiatives, and additional units underway.
