Cara House Provides Emergency Shelter and Permanent Supportive Housing for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative Providing Rental and Services Subsidies
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of 37 units of permanent supportive and emergency housing in Schenectady to help address homelessness. Operated by Bethesda House of Schenectady, Inc., Cara House includes 26 units of permanent supportive housing and 16 beds of emergency housing that were created as part the $8.5 million development.
“Successfully addressing homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach that centers on building more affordable and supportive housing and improving delivery of services that help New Yorkers address underlying issues that may have contributed to them experiencing homelessness,” Governor Hochul said. “This project embodies that approach by providing much-needed emergency and permanent supportive housing units for Schenectady County and ready access to supportive services.”
Cara House complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
The newly constructed three-story building includes 11 units and 16 beds of emergency housing for homeless adults, as well as 26 units of permanent supportive housing for people who have experienced chronic homelessness or are re-entering the community from incarceration.
Funding for the project includes $6.4 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Additionally, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York provided $1 million and significant contributions were made by Schenectady County, the city of Schenectady, the Wright Family Foundation, the Neil & Jane, William & Estelle Golub Family Foundation, the Schenectady Foundation, the Carlilian Foundation, and the Arnold Cogswell Health Care Fund.
Operating funding will be provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through OTDA.
The Homeless Housing Assistance Program provides capital grants and loans to not-for-profit corporations, charitable and religious organizations, and municipalities to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate housing for persons who are unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance. The grants are awarded through a competitive process by the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation, a public benefit corporation staffed by OTDA.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “Cara House is providing much-needed supportive housing, as well as emergency shelter beds, for those who have experienced homelessness or are returning to the community after incarceration. Thanks to the work of Bethesda House, the people who reside here will not only have safe, stable housing, but an opportunity to rebuild their lives and thrive as part of the community.”
Representative Paul Tonko said, “I’m thrilled to join the dedicated advocates at Bethesda House in celebrating the opening of their newest venture: Cara House. Bethesda House’s support for the community and its most vulnerable citizens through the provision of housing, emergency and crisis services, and case management and social work has long been an example to us all. Now, with the opening of Cara House, this important community organization will be able to provide even more critical services, including emergency housing, permanent supportive housing, and medical respite beds. I’ve been proud to support this project that will further Bethesda House’s mission to build a more just, hospitable, and inclusive community, and I’m so glad to see their vision now coming to fruition.”
Senator Jim Tedisco said, “As we begin Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season, we often think of those members of our community who have challenges and need a helping hand. These new supportive and emergency housing units will help more people find a place to call home and provide emergency shelter, which is especially important as we head into the cold winter months. I want to thank Governor Hochul and the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for their support for this project in the 44th Senate District.”
Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said, “I’m pleased to celebrate the completion of Cara House—an emblem of hope for Schenectady's homeless community. This groundbreaking initiative, encompassing supportive and emergency housing, underscores our dedication to establishing affordable homes accompanied by essential services for our most vulnerable populations. Cara House serves as evidence of our collective endeavors and the partnerships propelling Schenectady into a brighter future. Together, we are not merely constructing homes; we are shaping futures.”
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “Cara House is a key contributor to the continued development in our city. This new facility will allow for safe and decent housing for a vulnerable segment of our population. I thank the Bethesda House Administration for their work in lining up the financing to make this $8.5 million project possible.”
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York President and CEO José R. González said, “At the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, we know that a stable and supportive home is the foundation from which individuals and communities grow and flourish. Cara House will provide that foundation, continuing the vital work that Bethesda House does to make a positive impact in the lives of so many across Schenectady.”
Bethesda House Executive Director Kimarie Sheppard said, “The expansion of our residential program is a testament to state and local governmental agencies coming together along with private foundations and donors who understand and support the dire need for affordable housing. I am especially pleased with Governor Hochul’s leadership in promoting and funding new housing to provide a level of dignity and safety for Schenectady’s most at-risk people. With 26 new supportive housing units and 16 emergency shelter beds opening, Bethesda House of Schenectady continues to provide critical and lasting help for this community.”