Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the opening of Mercy Gardens, a $5.9 million supportive housing development in Central Islip, in Suffolk County. Supported with $5.2 million in state funding, this project created 19 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals and families.
“We are making unprecedented investments in supportive housing projects across the state, and Mercy Gardens will provide much-needed housing and support services to help transform the lives of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “This $5.9 million development will provide Central Islip individuals and families with the on-site care and services needed to thrive, and my administration will continue working tirelessly to expand much-needed supportive housing across New York State.”
Developed by Mercy Haven, Inc., Mercy Gardens features two newly constructed buildings. One has 14 one-bedroom apartments for formerly homeless individuals with mental illness and the other has 5 two-bedroom apartments for single adults and families that have experienced homelessness.
Mercy Gardens complements Governor Hochul’s statewide plan to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
The project was constructed with $5.1 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which is administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The Office of Mental Health also provided nearly $118,000 in capital funding. The project also received more than $310,00 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and Mercy Haven contributed more than $340,000.
Vocational, education and recreational programs will be provided to residents and Mercy Haven’s main office and community garden are nearby, providing access to additional supportive programming for residents.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, “Governor Hochul has demonstrated her commitment to the importance of supportive housing in effectively addressing homelessness across the state. We are grateful to our partners for bringing this project to fruition and congratulate Mercy Haven on the successful completion Mercy Gardens.”
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “The supportive housing units in Mercy Gardens will provide people living with mental illness attractive and welcoming housing and the services they need to live and thrive in their own homes and communities. Governor Hochul’s commitment to supportive housing is enabling New Yorker’s with mental illness to live independently and become valuable contributors to their communities.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, “Building supportive housing developments like Mercy Gardens here in Suffolk is critical to helping those in need and those struggling with mental health find an affordable, safe place to call home. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for working to increase affordable housing and bringing these 19 apartments to Central Islip.”
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said, “We thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to making housing available to those afflicted by mental illness. Now more than ever, individuals and families affected by mental illness need our support, and Mercy Gardens, together with its vocational, recreational and educational offerings is an important step forward.”
Mercy Haven Executive Director Sister Pat Griffith said, “We are thrilled with the outcome of this project. Today we want to express our gratitude for the strong partnerships with the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, the Office of Mental Health and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Without these connections, 28 formerly homeless adults and children would still be looking for a place to live.”
