HELP ONE

Organization Name: H.E.L.P. Development Corp.

Project Title: HELP ONE

Project Location: 515 Blake Avenue , Brooklyn's East NY Neighborhood, NYC

Project Description:
HELP ONE transforms the site of a former homeless shelter in East New York, Brooklyn, into a lasting neighborhood asset: a four-phase, 510-home affordable and supportive housing community. Led by HELPDevCo, the first three completed buildings have delivered 334 apartments, including 202 homes designated for households experiencing or emerging from homelessness. A final 176-home phase is planned. More than a housing development, HELP ONE pairs permanent homes with on-site supportive services, community gathering spaces, and a shared 25,000-square-foot courtyard that creates room for connection and belonging. Energy-efficient buildings designed to passive house standards, rooftop solar, and space for neighborhood-serving businesses reflect a commitment to both environmental and community resilience. HELP ONE demonstrates what building an affordable future can mean: transforming a former shelter site into permanent housing, opportunity, and stability for generations of New Yorkers.

Community Impact:
HELP ONE’s impact begins with housing stability. Across its first three completed buildings, 202 apartments are designated for households experiencing or emerging from homelessness, including young families and adults with significant behavioral health needs. On-site supportive services connect residents with individualized assistance and help them build stability beyond move-in day.

A shared 25,000-square-foot courtyard and garden, play area, community rooms, and resident fitness space provide places to gather, exercise, and build relationships. Murals by local Brooklyn artists bring neighborhood identity into the residential environment. Space for HELP ROADS, which serves survivors of domestic violence, extends the development’s community-serving mission, while affordable commercial space creates opportunities for local businesses.

By combining deeply affordable homes, services, green space, and energy-conscious design, HELP ONE strengthens the social fabric of East New York and helps residents put down lasting roots.

Organization Description:
HELP Development Corporation (HELPDevCo) is a nonprofit affordable housing developer committed to creating lasting housing solutions for New Yorkers. Through the development and preservation of high-quality affordable and supportive housing, HELPDevCo expands opportunities for individuals and families, particularly those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Working alongside public, private, and nonprofit partners, HELPDevCo transforms underutilized properties into vibrant, sustainable communities that foster stability, dignity, and opportunity for g

Team Members:

GC – Monadnock Construction
Architect – Curtis and Ginsberg
Energy Consultant – Bright Power
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)