255 Affordable Apartments On Their Way To East New York, HPD Says

EAST NEW YORK, BROOKLYN — More than 250 affordable apartments are on their way to a former homeless shelter on Blake Avenue, including many that will be reserved for formerly homeless New Yorkers, according to the city.

City officials broke ground Thursday on the first two buildings in the new "HELP ONE" development, which is found at 515 Blake Ave. and will be run by nonprofit HELP USA.

When completed, the buildings will have 255 affordable apartments, 154 of which will be reserved for individuals or families who have experienced homelessness.

"These first two buildings exemplify the City’s commitment to deep affordability and ensuring New Yorkers experiencing homelessness have a safe, quality home and the supportive services they need to thrive," HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. said.

The $129 million development will ultimately include four buildings and a total of 500 affordable apartments officials said. The complex will include a service space, a courtyard with a playground, a dog park, built-in grills and picnic and passive use areas, according to officials.

The first phase of construction includes Building A, which will have 184 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and a community space run by HELP USA. The space will include services under the nonprofit's HELP ROADS program, which offers counseling and support to survivors of domestic violence.

In the second building, Building B, there will be 71 studio and one-bedroom apartments, including 60 percent for those who are formerly homeless and have mental health and substance abuse concerns. Supportive services will also be provided to these tenants with HELP USA.