The Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence

Organization Name: Selfhelp Realty Group, Inc.

Project Title: The Allan and Geraldine Rosenberg Residence

Project Location: Freeport, Nassau County, Long Island

Project Description:
Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Studio Libeskind, the 100% affordable, 100% senior 44-unit independent living residence is a highly sustainable building featuring on-site supportive services provided by Selfhelp Community Services, Inc. The exemplary design promotes long-term health, socialization and its older adult residents’ ability to age in place, all boosting quality of life. The five-story building includes 44 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment for an on-site manager. All apartments are affordable to households at or below 60% of AMI. In addition, 14 apartments receive funding through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) for individuals experiencing homelessness, who have access to rental subsidies and supportive services. The building incorporates Passive House design principles and features energy efficient materials and systems throughout. The building includes a communal courtyard-style atrium, a rooftop walking path, an intensive green roof and a community room with computers and library. The $25M project was financed by NYS HCR, Capital One, Hudson Housing Capital, CPC, Freddie Mac, Nassau County, The Weinberg Foundation and TD Bank.

Community Impact:
As in all of Selfhelp’s residences, the dedicated Selfhelp social worker uses SHASAM (Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model) to support the residents’ social determinants of health, and help them maintain their economic security, access to nutritious food and community connection, all of which positively impact individual health and create community among the residents. The ESSHI award has allowed for 14 individuals to move from the shelter system directly into permanent supportive housing. At the residence’s ribbon cutting, Erica Diaz, a resident supported by ESSHI, spoke. “Before I lived here, I did not have a permanent apartment. It was extremely difficult because I lacked access to basic food, clothing, and shelter. I was trying to survive every day. Affordable housing is essential to every community and especially to me as I would not be here speaking to you today without it. In fact, I would most likely be loitering at the local Starbucks hoping for a free coffee and a slice of banana bread. Moving here created stability and security knowing that this will be my forever home and it has provided a new sense of community.”

Organization Description:
Selfhelp Realty Group, Inc. | The Melamid Institute for Affordable Housing and its affiliate Selfhelp Community Services, Inc. are committed to providing low-income older adults with safe, sustaining places to call home. 60 years ago, Selfhelp opened its first affordable building, dedicated to housing Holocaust Survivors. Today, we provide housing to nearly 1,700 diverse older adults in 15 residences. Our social services model SHASAM is sensitive to the traumas residents have lived through, creating communities where residents contribute and thrive.

Team Members:

Architect: Studio Libeskind, General Contractor: PCC., Energy Efficiency: Bright Power & Steven Winter Associates, Property Management: Georgica Property Management, Social Services: Selfhelp