Construction has begun on a new supportive housing project in the Jamaica area of Queens, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The $32.5 million development, named “The Morgan,” will create 50 affordable housing units, with 30 designated for New Yorkers living with serious mental illness.
Governor Hochul stated, “We are fully committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to affordable housing, including the most vulnerable among us. The Morgan will offer much-needed support and dignified housing for individuals living with serious mental illness, providing them with services so they may remain safely and stably housed in the Jamaica area of Queens.”
Transitional Services for New York is developing the project. It will provide 30 units with supportive services such as case management, around-the-clock staff, skill development, conflict management, harm reduction strategies, community integration programs, and peer support. Another 20 units will be reserved for those earning at or below 50 percent of the area median income.
Funding includes $12.4 million from the State Office of Mental Health (OMH), part of a broader $1 billion state investment in mental health and housing initiatives under Governor Hochul’s administration. Additional funding sources are approximately $7 million from Homes and Community Renewal’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, $4 million from the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, and $7 million through New York City’s Housing Preservation & Development Supportive Housing Loan Program.
The site will replace a vacant house with an eight-story building spanning over 31,000 square feet. Amenities planned include a library/computer area, outdoor terrace, laundry room, recreation space, garden space, free Wi-Fi for tenants, and energy-efficient features.
New York State officials commented on the project’s significance. Dr. Ann Sullivan of OMH said: “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. The Morgan will help individuals access supportive services and continue their journey toward recovery. This project represents Governor Hochul’s ongoing investments to strengthen mental health care and provide safe, affordable housing for all.”
Barbara C. Guinn from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance noted: “The permanent supportive housing units being created as part of this development will provide individuals not only with a safe, affordable place to live but with easy access to services to help them overcome barriers that may have contributed to them experiencing homelessness. We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and our State partners for their recognition that more than brick and mortar is needed to provide stable housing for some of our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers.”
RuthAnne Visnauskas from Homes and Community Renewal added: “Our $7 million investment is helping to provide 50 affordable, sustainable, and supportive homes that will help the Jamaica community thrive. We thank our partners for their dedication and look forward to seeing this project progress.”
Robert J. Rodriguez from DASNY remarked: “DASNY is honored to support Governor Hochul’s efforts to expand specialized housing for New Yorkers living with mental illness. Throughout financing assistance and construction oversight, we’re helping ensure The Morgan provides the stable, dignified housing that individuals need to thrive in their community.”
State Senator Leroy Comrie commented: “Southeast Queens has been home to several transitional services facilities, and I am happy to welcome permanence and stability into our community to those ready to graduate to independent living. This project helps address one of the biggest gaps in our mental health and housing systems… By expanding housing paired with on-site services we are giving individuals a real path forward…”
Senator Jessica Ramos stated: “In Queens we understand that supportive housing is a lifeline… I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for investing in real safety for Queens… That’s housing dignity and holistic support that truly empowers people…”
Senator Patricia Fahy said: “Investments in affordable housing and assistance for people living with mental illnesses are needed now more than ever… ‘The Morgan’ will not only replace a vacant property; it will create a community that allows New Yorkers living with mental illness to reside safely with access to the services they need…”
Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara added: “Supportive housing helps individuals living with mental illness build stability and independence… By expanding access …we’re improving our mental health system…”
Assemblymember Clyde Vanel remarked: “Housing that is both affordable and accessible is essential… It is vital that we take care of all New Yorkers…”
OMH has recently expanded specialized housing across New York State by creating over 1,200 new units connected to Governor Hochul’s initiative; an additional 2,224 units are currently under development statewide.
Dr. Larry Grubler from Transitional Services for New York said: “We are proud to partner with New York State in establishing these additional units of supportive housing in the community…. We share Governor Hochul’s vision for adding housing units and supporting New Yorkers in need.”
