Governor Hochul Announces Ribbon Cutting for New $13.9 Million Housing Services Center in Onondaga County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ribbon cutting for Catholic Charities of Onondaga County's new Housing Services Center. The $13.9 million development in Syracuse includes an 80-bed emergency men's shelter, eight new single units of permanent supportive housing, and onsite health and mental health services.

"This new center will help meet community needs and address homelessness in Syracuse and the surrounding area by offering emergency beds and permanent housing, with wraparound services available to residents," Governor Hochul said. "Projects like this will allow us to tackle the housing crisis head on for New Yorkers in need and get them on a path to independence and success."

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County's Housing Services Center is part of Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive housing plan, which was launched last year with a goal of creating or preserving 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 Housing Services Center involved both the rehabilitation of a commercial building and new construction. The campus, located on Erie Boulevard East, replaced Catholic Charities' former men's shelter, which was located on South Clinton Street. The location of the former shelter was sold to JMA Wireless to promote business development in Syracuse.

The 24/7 men's shelter, which is certified by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, opened earlier this spring and the eight supportive housing apartments are expected to be completed soon. The facility features centralized resources and supportive services, including onsite medical and mental health services, a commercial kitchen for skills-building and workforce development, and office space for programs.

This project was constructed with $7.1 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which is administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Other governmental funding includes $3 million from a federal appropriation, $2.8 million from Onondaga County, and $500,000 from the City of Syracuse. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also providing $200,000 annually in operating funding for the eight units of permanent supportive housing through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "For New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, emergency shelters are a vital resource and often the first stop along their path to housing stability. And for many families, supportive housing is the most effective tool we have in achieving that goal. The new Homeless Services Center provides easy access and supportive services to those seeking refuge from the streets and as they transition from shelter to permanent housing."

State Senator Rachel May said, "It is imperative that everyone have a safe and supportive place to live. This new Catholic Charities facility will serve dozens of men experiencing homelessness, providing a foundation from which they will receive wrap-around services to help them build a brighter future. Thank you to Catholic Charities of Onondaga County for helping to lift up those who are struggling and to Governor Hochul for your continued support of the Central New York community."

Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, "The development of a new homeless service center in Onondaga County is an effective approach to helping address the needs in Syracuse and the surrounding areas. The inclusion of wrap-around services will provide residents with access to health and mental health services, allowing them a well-rounded approach as they work toward independence. I commend Catholic Charities for this project."

Michael F. Melara, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, said, "Serving members of our community who are housing vulnerable and homeless represents the full expression of our mission. With the help of talented and committed staff and countless supporters, we will fulfill our mission in this new facility. Thank you to New York State HHAP for its financial support and exceptional partnership."