New York State Announces Completion of 11 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing in Orange County
Fresh Start Apartments Created 11 Studio Apartments with Supportive Services for Formerly Homeless Women With Substance Use Disorders in the City of Newburgh
Supplements New York State’s Ongoing Efforts to Address Homelessness and Expand Permanent Supportive Housing Opportunities Across the State
WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced the completion of Fresh Start Apartments, which created 11 units of permanent supportive housing in the City of Newburgh for women who have experienced homelessness and substance use disorder. Developed by the Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP), the $5.9 million project received $4.9 million from OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.
“The opening of Fresh Start Apartments in Newburgh provides women who have experienced homelessness with a permanent safe and affordable place to live, along with the essential support services that will enable them to stabilize their lives and thrive,” Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “We are grateful to RECAP for their longstanding commitment to providing critical support programs in Orange County and to Governor Hochul for prioritizing the development of permanent supportive housing across New York State and supporting our Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.”
The development of Fresh Start Apartments involved the new construction of a three-story, 11,000-square-foot building that created 11 studio apartments with onsite laundry facilities, as well as office and communal space. Fresh Start residents receive case management services from onsite staff and have access to extensive support services through RECAP and its many partner organizations. Services include off-site long- and short-term day treatment, individual counseling, recovery coaching, peer support, and crisis intervention. RECAP works closely with local organizations to offer greater choice in treatment options for each resident.
Additional capital funding for Fresh Start Apartments includes $900,000 HOME Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) funding from the Orange County Office of Community Development, as well as $50,000 in pre-development funding provided by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and $14,250 by the City of Newburgh.
In addition, RECAP will receive $275,000 in annual funding for case management and rental subsidies for the project, provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through OASAS.
Established in 1965, RECAP is a not-for-profit that serves as the designated anti-poverty agency in Orange County, providing housing, Head Start early education, energy services, workforce development and training, residential and non-residential addiction support services, SNUG anti-gun violence intervention in the City of Newburgh, and other services to people with low incomes in Orange County and the surrounding communities.
Fresh Start Apartments is part of Governor Hochul’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Programs like this give people impacted by substance use disorder a safe and secure place to call home, which supports their overall health and can be an important part of recovery. This new state of the art facility will help more women in the Mid-Hudson region find the help and services they need, and supports Governor Hochul’s vision to increase housing access across all areas of New York State.”
State Senator Rob Rolison said, “Every New Yorker deserves a safe, stable place to call home and the opportunity to build a brighter future. Fresh Start Apartments is more than a housing development—it is a lifeline for women who have experienced homelessness and are working to rebuild their lives. By combining permanent housing with supportive services, this project will help residents achieve greater independence, stability and long-term success. I commend RECAP and all of the partners who made this investment possible and remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen individuals, families and communities throughout Orange County.”
Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson said, “This project is so important because it offers supportive housing, with integrated services to break the cycle of homelessness and help women get back on their feet. Huge credit is due to RECAP for bringing together the funding and community partners needed to make this project a reality, and to the State agencies involved that recognized this crucial need.”
City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance R. Harvey said, “I am proud to express my heartfelt gratitude for RECAP and all our esteemed partners involved in the remarkable initiative to create permanent housing for 11 incredible women recovering from drug addiction and alcoholism. This effort exemplifies the spirit of our city—a commitment to healing, hope, and a brighter future for all. By providing these women with a safe and supportive environment, we are not just offering them a roof over their heads; we are also empowering them to rebuild their lives, pursue new opportunities, and reintegrate into our vibrant community.”
Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) CEO Charlie Quinn said, “Fresh Start Apartments represents hope, stability, and a fresh beginning for individuals in recovery. We are grateful to our local and state partners whose collaboration made this project possible, and to the City of Newburgh for welcoming this important program. Together, we are creating housing solutions that strengthen our community and help address the ongoing housing crisis.”
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OTDA Contact: Anthony Farmer
(518) 474-9516
