Bronx Borough President Breaks Ground Promoting New Housing

Promoting a partnership between local, state and federal governments, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), the City of New York and the Borough of the Bronx came together on January 16, 2003 in an effort to bring more housing to victims of domestic violence. Borough President, Adolfo Carrion, joined with HUD and the other agencies to break ground on what will be a newly constructed licensed transitional residence. The "Bronx House" will serve seventy victims of domestic violence (27 women and 43 children). The six-story residence will offer twenty-seven apartments (seven studios, five one-bedrooms, eleven two-bedrooms and four three-bedroom units) when completed.

One hundred percent of the $6.5 million project is financed by grants provided by HUD, New York State, New York City, and various foundations, banks and individuals. HUD's portion consisted of a $420,000 grant under its Supportive Housing Program (SHP) to aid in construction and administrative costs. Safe Horizon, a nonprofit welfare advocacy organization, will operate the social service program of the facility, providing legal referrals, counseling, safety planning, living skills and job readiness training, and assistance with finding permanent housing for the residents. The New York State Association for Retarded Citizens will provide full-time daycare on site for thirty-one children. Completion of the project is expected in 2004.