Occupancy has begun and financing has been finalized for a Southern Tier affordable-housing project involving two Diocese of Rochester agencies.
Providence Housing Development Corp., a nonprofit diocesan-affiliated organization, closed June 9 on the permanent financing of LaFrance Apartments in Elmira. The $8.2 million complex is located at 416 Powell St. and features 37 one-bedroom apartments, providing affordable housing for 17 individuals or two-person families as well as 20 apartments reserved for eligible residents under New York’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. Eligibility for the latter group is based on referrals by Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler, an agency of diocesan Catholic Charities.
The LaFrance development has been made possible through New York state’s $20 billion, five-year Housing and Homelessness Plan begun in 2017. Construction began in October 2019 and was completed in November 2020. Tenants were initially selected on a random basis through a housing lottery in July 2020, and residents began moving in at the end of 2020.
“With so many struggling during 2020, we are thrilled to be able to provide safe, affordable housing to those having difficulty finding a home,” Mark Greisberger, executive director for Providence Housing, said in a statement. “There is a tremendous housing need for community members with a disability, who are homeless or are working on their (substance abuse) recovery, and we are happy to make housing and services available for those in need.”
LaFrance is located near a bus line, shopping and social services. Also as part of the initiative, Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler is offering skills training and case-management services to eligible residents on-site to help them build life skills, prepare them for job readiness and aid with recovery. Catholic Charities is partnering with Casa-Trinity of Chemung, which provides on-site guidance around the clock.
Income and occupancy requirements apply for LaFrance Apartments. All units are currently occupied, but for more information or to be placed on a short waiting list, visit https://www.providencehousing.org/housing/lafrance-apartments/or call 607-735-5604.
Tags: Chemung County News
