El Hogar

Organization Name: Comunilife, Inc.

Project Title: El Hogar

Project Location: Fordham, Bronx

Project Description:
El Hogar Residence is a new affordable and supportive housing development in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx providing 82 homes for older New Yorkers. The residence includes 50 ESSHI-funded supportive apartments for frail elderly residents and 32 apartments for very low-income community seniors. Developed by Comunilife on land purchased from SBH Health Systems, El Hogar is a 100% electric, green building designed to support aging in community. Apartments include kitchenettes and private bathrooms, with accessible units for residents with mobility impairments and units equipped for residents with hearing and/or visual impairments. Amenities include a multipurpose community room, laundry, indoor community space, outdoor areas, 24-hour security and an onsite superintendent. Comunilife provides onsite social services and care coordination, with residents also connected to care through SBH Health Systems.

Community Impact:
El Hogar expands permanent affordable and supportive housing for older adults in the Bronx, including frail elderly New Yorkers and very low-income community seniors. By combining stable housing with onsite social services and care coordination, the development supports residents’ health, stability and independence as they age in their community. Residents are also connected to outpatient and inpatient care through SBH Health Systems. Fifty apartments receive supportive services and rental subsidies through New York State’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), while the 32 community apartments receive rental assistance through an HCR Section 8 contract. El Hogar’s accessible design, community spaces and outdoor areas create an environment intended to support active living, connection and dignity for older New Yorkers.

Organization Description:
Founded in 1989, Comunilife provides housing and culturally responsive supportive services that empower vulnerable New Yorkers — those experiencing homelessness, living with HIV/AIDS or mental illness, and at-risk teens — to live healthy, meaningful lives. In 2025 alone, we served more than 4,000 people — offering hope and a path forward through supportive and affordable housing, our Medical Respite Program, community engagement programs, and suicide prevention initiatives for at-risk teens.

Team Members:

SBH Health Systems; Hudson Housing Capital; Mega Construction; Webster Bank; Monica Lopez Architect; BlueHub Capital; Sherman Law; NYC HPD, NYS HCR, NYS OTDA, NYS ESSHI