Wartburg Receives Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) Award

Wartburg Receives Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) Award

Governor Kathy Hochul announced conditional awards totaling $35 million to agencies in every region across New York State to provide support services and operating funding for at least 1,400 units of supportive housing for persons with special needs. This is the sixth funding round of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) which brings together eight state agencies to help provide funding for supportive housing for vulnerable populations, including seniors. Wartburg was one of the agencies selected to receive a conditional award.

“The continued spread of housing insecurity has been one of the pandemic’s most damaging impacts and it is incumbent on all of us to ensure we provide the resources vulnerable New Yorkers need to not only get through these difficult times, but also build a fulfilling life,” Governor Hochul said. “Supportive housing projects target the root causes of homelessness by coupling affordable housing with critical supportive services and through investments like this, we can continue with these projects in every corner of the state to ensure no New Yorker is left behind.”

OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Governor Hochul’s commitment to supportive housing is providing safe and stable homes with supportive services for people living with mental illness and other challenges. These awards will give individuals and families the opportunity to live independently and successfully in their own communities, which is a critical step on the road to recovery. OMH is proud to be a part of the ESSHI program and to give hope to New Yorkers in every region of the state.”

Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas of NYS Homes and Community Renewal said, “The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative provides funding for critically needed services that help individuals and families achieve housing security, financial stability and better health outcomes. This successful program complements HCR’s efforts to build and preserve integrated and inclusive affordable housing developments across the state. Thanks to the ESSHI Round 6 awards, nearly 8,000 New Yorkers will have homes to call their own and access to life-saving and essential care.”

Acting New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “The homelessness crisis has far-reaching public health implications. People who are unhoused lack a key resource for a healthy life. New York’s agencies are working together to provide safe and affordable housing that will result in improved health benefits statewide.”

The conditional awards are for service and operating funding needed to operate permanent supportive housing units. The awards will allow applicants to secure separate capital funding to finance the development and construction of their housing project.

Wartburg President Dr. David Gentner said, “It was a pleasure working with Rockabill’s Laura Michener who did the heavy lifting on this application, and I am looking forward to finding a way to enabling the development of more affordable housing for seniors on our campus. We have our work cut out for ourselves as it is expected that we secure capital funding for the project within two years from the date of the award. I am optimistic; we will need to be creative,” said Gentner.

Rockabill was the financial consultant for Wartburg’s Friedrichs Residence – which closed in December of 2011 and was completed in February of 2013. Friedrichs was a supportive senior housing new construction project for Wartburg. Comprised of 56,000 square feet, the site includes 61 affordable housing units for seniors of all faiths earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income. Additionally, the project created amenities for the seniors including multi-purpose community rooms, a library, dining, laundry and fitness facilities, as well as on-site parking and was rated LEED Gold. The development was rewarded a state HEAL NY grant, for which a portion of the funds were allocated for the construction of the building.

About Wartburg

Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services. Unlike conventional retirement communities, Wartburg provides a wide range of services to both residents living on their beautiful 34-acre campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, their continuing care approach has earned them a trusted reputation. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage with an array of options to find the level of care that considers the whole family. Wartburg was named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by U.S. News & World Report for the ninth consecutive year in 2019.