Groundbreaking: Homeward Central Harlem

Coming in fall 2023: Homeward Central Harlem, supportive housing for 50 young adults in an LGBTQ-affirming environment. The groundbreaking event occurred November 4, 2021.

Breaking ground on Homeward Central Harlem: Jeannette Ruffins, CEO of Homeward NYC (center) and representatives from project partners New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Housing Preservation and Development, KeyBank, Hudson Housing, Enterprise Community Partners, Azimuth Development Group and Type A Projects, and the Office of the Manhattan Borough President

Homeward Central Harlem will consist of a single nine-story building with 50 fully furnished studio apartments—nearly doubling our current number of units for LGBTQ young people.

The need for LGBTQ-affirming supportive housing is great: Although LGBTQ folks are estimated at just seven percent of the total population, an astounding 40% of all homeless young adults identify as LGBTQ.

Residents must be aged 18 to 24 upon entry and will be referred by the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Youth and Community Development’s Runaway & Homeless Youth program.

Housing is non-time limited, meaning residents don’t age out on their 25th birthday. Residents will receive rental assistance and services through the NYC 15/15 Initiative.

Homeward NYC (we also own and operate an Upper West Side intergenerational site providing family shelter and affordable housing for older adults) is the onsite provider for housing and social work services. Services include counseling, case management for residents to access financial and health care benefits, connections to community resources, group activities, and skills-building programs. Homeward Central Harlem is our third residence designed to provide a supportive environment for LGBTQ young adults.

We are proud to partner with New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Housing Preservation and Development, KeyBank, Hudson Housing and Enterprise Community Partners for financing; Type A Projects and Azimuth Development Group for development; and Kossar + Garry Architects, LLP for design. Supportive housing (affordable housing with onsite support services) is a vital part of ending chronic homelessness.

Update: We are accepting applications