Bergen Place

Organization Name: Selfhelp Realty Group, Inc.

Project Title: Bergen Place

Project Location: Freeport, NY

Project Description:
Selfhelp Realty Group’s (“SRG”) Bergen Place in Freeport, NY is a 44 unit independent living residence for low income seniors, scheduled for completion in early 2022. The development will address Nassau County’s need for affordable housing, as well as the stark health and socio-economic disparities that exist in the County. COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted the poor and elderly population that Selfhelp serves. Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Studio Daniel Libeskind to promote socialization and aging in place, the building includes community space on the street level with a social services office and a meeting room. A central courtyard on second floor brings light to resident hallways. On the main roof, residents can enjoy a green roof and circular walking path. All of the units are handicap adaptable, with roll-in showers and grab bars. Building is energy efficient per Enterprise Green Communities and Energy Star Multifamily High Rise programs. 9% LIHTC: (8units) 30% AMI; (15) 50% AMI; (21) 60% AMI. Of these 21 units, 14 are designated for older adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, supported by the NY’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI).

Community Impact:
Nassau County is widely known as a bastion of health and prosperity. A 2019 Healthiest Communities Ranking examined counties across the US using 81 different indicators such as health, housing, and public safety. Nassau County ranked in the top 3% nationwide. Parsing data at the zip code level reveals a more nuanced picture. Nassau County Department of Health’s own three-year Community Health Assessment (2014-2017) describes a “tale of two counties,” in which certain population pockets suffer substantial health disparities that are reflected in shorter lifespans, lower quality of life, and higher rates of disease, disability, and access to care. NCDOH compared aggregated data from nine marginalized communities and compared them to the rest of the County, among “selected communities” was Freeport. These nine locations were found to be significantly more diverse, much poorer, and less educated than the County as a whole.
Residents of well-maintained affordable housing experience less stress, improved health, and have more money to spend on essentials like nutritious food. Complimented by an array of services, we provide a platform for older adults to remain healthier and more vital as they age.

Organization Description:
Selfhelp Community Services, Inc. (“Selfhelp”) and its affiliated corporation, Selfhelp Realty Group, Inc. | The Melamid Institute for Affordable Housing (“SRG”), are committed to providing low-income older adults with safe, sustaining places to call home. We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the independence and dignity of seniors through various programs.Selfhelp currently has twelve locations housing 1,637 residents in 1,250 units. Four properties under construction will add 429 affordable senior units to Selfhelp’s portfolio.

Team Members:

Selfhelp Realty Group, Inc |The Melamid Institute for Affordable Housing, Capital One, Hudson Housing Capital, NYS HCR, Owner’s Rep Raymond Guarino Jr, Procida, Studio Libeskind, Weinberg Foundation

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