New York State Announces the Completion of Supportive Housing Project in Ogdensburg
Knox Street Building 2 Creates 42 Apartments with Supportive Services for Individuals Who Have Experienced Homelessness in St. Lawrence County
Supplements Governor Hochul’s Ongoing Efforts to Expand Affordable and Permanent Supportive Housing Opportunities Across the State
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced the completion of Knox Street Building 2, which created 42 units of permanent supportive housing in Ogdensburg for individuals who have experienced homelessness. Developed by Standing Together Effectively for People by Standing Together Effectively for People, Inc. (S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc.), the $10.6 million project received $9.7 million from OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP).
“The completion of Knox Street Building 2 will provide vulnerable individuals who have experienced homelessness with much-needed permanent housing in St. Lawrence County along with direct access to essential support services they need to remain stably housed and live independently in the community,” OTDA Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “We are proud to partner with S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P. on this vital community project that brings additional affordable housing to Ogdensburg. We thank Governor Hochul for making landmark investments to expand and preserve permanent supportive housing options across New York State.”
S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc., is a nonprofit organization based in Ogdensburg that has provided affordable and supportive housing since 1997. The three-story Knox Street Building 2 is located on the same property as Lincoln School Apartments, a former elementary school renovated by S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P. that created 20 units of permanent supportive housing, a project also funded by HHAP.
Additional funding for Knox Street Building 2 includes a $750,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s Affordable Home Program and a $147,000 contribution from S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P.
Operating funding for the project is being provided through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by OTDA.
Support services at Knox Street Building 2—provided on site by S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P. and off site by other community agencies—include a mental health drop-in center, harm reduction programs, case management, as well as assistance focused on nutritional education, independent living skills, volunteer and vocational opportunities, and benefit enrollment.
S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P. Executive Director David Bayne said, “We are grateful for Governor Hochul and OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s ongoing support for S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., St. Lawrence County, and the City of Ogdensburg. The completion of Knox Street Building 2 will help us take a significant step toward improving the lives of those in need in our community.”
The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) is an important component 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. In addition to playing a central role in the development of permanent supportive housing in New York State, HHAP provides capital funding that is vital to constructing, rehabilitating, and repairing emergency housing.
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