The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and New York Homes and Community Renewal have announced that 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.”
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% to 80% of Area Median Income. The development is 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.
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.”
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