City officials join representatives of Elmcor to break ground on a supportive housing development in Corona. (Photo Facebook)
April 19, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
City officials, elected leaders and representatives of Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities held a ceremonial groundbreaking last Thursday to mark the start of construction of a supportive housing development in Corona.
The development, which is going up at 104-10 Northern Blvd., will bring 30 housing units to the area that will be for people recovering from substance and/or mental health issues as well as older adults. The rents will be offered at affordable levels.
“Our local elected officials, spearheaded by the late Honorable Helen Marshall, worked with us to build the funding for this initiative with so many others over decades because they believed in us,” said Elmcor Executive Director Saeeda Dunston, who leads the non-profit organization that provides programs for preschool aged children to senior citizens.
Elmcor is developing the project and providing the services for the residents when it opens.
The development will include 21 units for people in need of support—and nine for older adults. Construction is expected to be completed by October 2023.
104-10 Northern Blvd. (Rendering by Monica Lopez Architect LLC)
“Elmcor has diligently and effectively served the families of Queens for decades, a mission that continues with Thursday’s critically important groundbreaking,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. in a statement.
“By providing those recovering from substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as our older residents, with supportive, affordable housing right here in our community, we are creating a model of human justice through housing for the rest of the city to follow,” Richards added.
The non-profit has received a significant amount of public funding, including $5.4 million in discretionary funds from the Queens Borough President’s office and $2.5 million from the city council. It has also received preferential loans and subsidies from government agencies.
“Safe and affordable housing is a basic human need,” said Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry. “It also serves as the foundation of a healthy and prosperous community. I am excited and grateful for the construction of a new 30 units, multi-use supportive, affordable housing project which will provide housing to some of our most vulnerable residents. I want to thank all who have worked tirelessly to make this possible”.
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