Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the Happiness House Phase II Apartments in Canandaigua have been completed. The $9.7 million affordable and supportive housing development will provide 30 affordable homes for individuals, families, and seniors.
The complex provides 30 affordable homes for individuals, families and seniors, with nine apartments reserved for individuals who have previously experienced homelessness. Happiness House Phase II Apartments is part of Governor Cuomo’s unprecedented $20 billion, five-year affordable housing plan to provide all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing. The development also builds on the Governor’s overall strategy to revitalize communities and grow the economy across the state. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested $639 million in the Finger Lakes region to create or preserve nearly 7,700 affordable homes.
“New York has made unprecedented investments to create affordable and supportive housing units in every corner of the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “This new development will provide eligible Ontario County residents with safe housing and access to critical supportive services and builds on our ongoing efforts to combat homelessness and create a safer and stronger Empire State for all.”
“Every New Yorker deserves a roof over their head and the decency of a good home,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Through our investment in Happiness House Apartments in Canandaigua, we are helping an additional 30 families, seniors and individuals struggling with homelessness find a safe and secure place to live. As we battle this pandemic, New York State remains committed to combating homelessness and providing supportive services for New Yorkers in need.”
Happiness House Phase II Apartments consists of a two-story building with 22 apartments and a one-story building with eight studio apartments specifically designed for seniors aged 55 and older. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 50 percent of the area median income. Five of the apartments in the larger building and four of the senior studio apartments will receive rental subsidies and supportive services funded through Governor Cuomo’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
Residents will have access to an array of on- and off-site supportive social services based on need and eligibility. This includes counseling and recovery services for those with a history of substance abuse; individual and group support for older residents fostering memory skills; mobility and social support with an underlying focus on health and wellness; day services and grief counseling for qualified tenants.
The buildings were designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities building standards. Each apartment has central air conditioning and Energy Star appliances. Happiness House Phase II Apartments is located close to retailers, commercial services, a town park, restaurants and other amenities. There is a public transit bus stop on the property.
The developer and service provider is Happiness House, corporately known as Finger Lakes United Cerebral Palsy, Inc.
State financing for Happiness House Phase II Apartments includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated nearly $5.6 million in equity and $1.1 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided $2 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Additional financing was provided by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, The Golisano Foundation and the Federal Home Loan Bank.
New York State previously provided financing for Happiness House Phase I Apartments, a 20-apartment supportive and affordable housing development adjacent to Phase II on Happiness House Boulevard. The initial phase opened in 2014.
Senator Pam Helming said, “Affordable housing is an essential component of a strong community. Congratulations to President and CEO Mary Boatfield and the entire Happiness House team on the completion of this project, which is a tremendous asset for the Canandaigua community and the Finger Lakes region. Thank you to New York State Homes and Community Renewal and everyone involved in making this project a reality,” in an announcement.
“The strength of our community is built on the strength of our families. This development will provide important new affordable housing options for those with disabilities, working families and our seniors. New York Homes and Community Renewal is a terrific partner and it’s great to see the hard work of the Happiness House team and HCR come to fruition today,” Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan added.
“Ontario County and the town of Canandaigua is fortunate to mark the completion of Happiness House Phase II and be able to provide much needed affordable housing options. The apartments reserved for homeless individuals will assist in addressing the increasing need and I am proud to have this available in Ontario County. The collaboration and partnerships that brought Phase II to fruition deserve much praise for their efforts,” Ontario County Chairman Jack Marren said.
“The Happiness House organization has helped so many people in our area for many years including some very important people in my own life. Their never-ending commitment to serve those members of our community who are most in need is truly commendable and humbling. I want to thank Happiness House on behalf of the Town of Canandaigua for choosing the Canandaigua community for this project and I want thank New York State for helping the idea become a reality,” Canandaigua Supervisor Cathy Menikotz added.
“Happiness House’s mission is to provide safe and affordable housing to those in need in our communities. We are so fortunate to have collaborated with our state and community partners in the development of physical and social environments that promote overall wellness for all individuals who live in our region,” Happiness House President and CEO Mary Boatfield said.
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