Home Homeless & Crisis Assistance Commissioner Helps Break Ground on Homeless Housing Project in Schenectady

Commissioner Helps Break Ground on Homeless Housing Project in Schenectady

Albany, NY- April 28, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — OTDA Commissioner David Hansell joined Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton and Margaret Anderton, Executive Director of Bethesda House, for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the organization’s new Liberty House Apartments project in Schenectady.OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) awarded $2.8 million to Bethesda House in 2006 to develop 16 unites of permanent housing for chronically homeless singles in Schenectady.

L-R, Commissioner Hansell; Margaret Anderton, Executive Director of Bethesda House; Laurene Klement, Bethesda House client; Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton; John Van Norden, Corporation Counsel, City fo Schenectady; Scott Edwards, Director, OTDA's Bureau of Housing & Shelter Services“I am proud that our agency, through HHAP, has been able to partner with Bethesda House, one of the major providers of homeless housing and services in Schenectady County, and bring this much-needed project to this important point in its development,” Commissioner Hansell said.

The total cost of the project is nearly $5 million, with other funders including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Capital District Community Loan Fund, the City of Schenectady and donations from private individuals and foundations.

The supportive housing units being constructed will help residents address the challenges they face – not only lack of a place to live, but substance abuse, mental health or other health issues. The new building will also accommodate Bethesda’s existing Day Shelter, which currently serves about 1,200 people a year.

Press Inquiries:
Michael Hayes
Director Public Information Office
Email: nyspio (at) otda.state.ny (dot) us
Phone: 518-474-9516