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A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on Monday, February 24th at 10:30 a.m. at 539 Joseph Avenue to highlight the completion of the construction and opening of Son House Apartments, a quality, affordable housing development. Son House Apartments was made possible through the funding provided by New York State Homes & Community Renewal, New York State Homeless Housing & Assistance Corporation, City of Rochester, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, NYSERDA, and First Niagara.
Son House Apartments provides 21 one-bedroom apartments of permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals through a partnership between Providence Housing and Catholic Family Center. The development team consisted of Providence Housing, Catholic Family Center, SWBR Architects, Stantec, Lecesse Construction Services, and Comfort Systems USA.
The project was named after Eddie James House, Jr. nicknamed “Son” was an internationally known blues artist. His musical legacy included both hardship and providence. He lived a hard life, spending time living on the streets homeless. Son House Apartments help people achieve stability in their housing situation and in their lives.
The event was held in the community space of the building with more than 60 people in attendance and included speeches from numerous dignitaries including local and state officials. Among those on hand were NYS Homes & Community Renewal Commissioner Darryl Towns, NYS Homeless Housing & Assistance Corporation Vice President Brett Hebner, Mayor Lovely Warren, and NYS Senator Joseph Rohbach as well as an opening prayer provided by the Most Reverend Matthew Clark, Bishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester.
HCR Commissioner Darryl C. Towns said, “On behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo, HCR is proud to help those who struggle obtain the safe, affordable housing and services they need to lead independent, productive lives. Son House is aptly named in memory of acclaimed blues musician Eddie James “Son” House, Jr. who left a legacy of hope, dreams, and second chances. That opportunity is alive today for residents of Son House who will have more opportunities for a brighter future. I commend Providence Housing, Catholic Family Center, friends at OTDA and the City of Rochester for their vision and hard work to make Son House a reality.”
“The true measure of city’s greatness must include a reckoning of how its citizens treat their most vulnerable neighbors,” said Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “As a place of both shelter and support for our homeless residents, the Son House Apartments project is helping Rochester rise to yet another level of greatness. I want to thank Providence Housing and the Diocese of Rochester for making this incredible investment and helping our citizens reach their full potential.”
“Providence Housing Development Corporation has provided quality housing for Rochester-area since its founding in 1994. Son House Apartments will provide much needed affordable 1-bedroom units in the City of Rochester, and will give its residents nearby access to the RGRTA bus line and retail shopping” said Senator Joe Rohbach, 56th District, New York State Senate.
