“The YWCA is grateful to the many funders who believed in the YWCA’s mission and supported this extensive green renovation project that is Westchester’s only permanent supportive affordable housing for women.”
Maria Imperial, CEO, YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester
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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., June 11, 2012 – The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is pleased to announce a Ribbon-Cutting celebration with state and local elected officials on June 11, 2012 to officially mark the grand reopening of its Residence for Women, Westchester’s only low-cost supportive housing for women in need.
The $26.9 million green renovation project, which is located at 69 North Broadway in downtown White Plains and comprised of 88,000 square-feet, rehabilitated 185 existing units, constructed eight new units and also preserved the historic Tudor components of the original building.
Funding for the renovation came from numerous sources, including Federal Tax Credit Assistance Program stimulus funds awarded through New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal; the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Homeless Housing Assistance Program; the Federal Home Loan Bank; the City of White Plains; the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Enterprise Green Communities, Home Depot, and Con Edison.
Construction financing was provided by Citi. Tax credit equity was invested by Citi and syndicated through Richman Housing Resources. The project was supported by predevelopment loans from the Leviticus Foundation, Corporation for Supportive Housing and Community Capital Resources.
The project funding was structured by Jonathan Rose Companies which co-developed the project with the YWCA.
“Jonathan Rose Companies has been privileged to work in partnership with the YWCA to enhance and preserve the housing that is so vital to YWCA’s mission of serving low-income women,” stated Jonathan F.P, Rose, President, Jonathan Rose Companies. “The impressive range of supportive services and the true home and family that the YWCA Residence offers to women in need is unmatched.”
Jonathan Rose Companies managed the project’s design and construction with project team members including Stephen Tilly, Architect, O’Day, Lynch Abbatista, and Lasberg Construction Associates.
“The YWCA’s Residence for Women, which was completed within its multi-million budget and ahead of schedule, provides the region’s only permanent, affordable housing for low-income women,” said Maria Imperial, CEO of the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, Inc.
“This project supports our mission to empower women and help them get on the path to self-sufficiency so they become contributing members of society and our community.”
Comments from the Renovation Project Funders and Supporters:
Congresswoman Nita Lowey
“I am proud to see the re-opening of the beautifully renovated YWCA,” said Lowey. “For years the YWCA has come to the aid of women in need and worked to change their lives and help them take meaningful steps toward independence. I applaud the YWCA for their exceptional work in the community and look forward to their many accomplishments in the years to come.”
County Executive Robert P. Astorino
County Executive Robert P. Astorino said: "Congratulations to the YWCA for accomplishing this renovation and for all its good work. Westchester County is pleased to continue to support the work of the YWCA Residence, through programs involving several of our departments: Senior Programs and Services, Social Services, Mental Health and Probation."
Mayor Thomas M. Roach
"The Women's Residence at the YWCA plays an important role in our community. I am pleased that the City of White Plains has been able to contribute to the refurbishment of this facility," said Mayor Roach.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
Darryl C. Towns, Commissioner/CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, “Governor Andrew Cuomo and I both recognize the significance of providing housing that meets the needs of all New Yorkers, and the far-reaching impact that affordable housing plays in revitalizing communities. I congratulate the YWCA and Jonathan Rose Companies on the YWCA Residence for Women and on their continued efforts to make communities stronger and offer hope and opportunity for very low income households and special needs populations.”
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
“The housing and support provided to low income women at the YWCA Residence for Women in White Plains is truly life changing,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Executive Deputy Commissioner Elizabeth Berlin. “Thanks to this facility, these women will have the help they need to reach economic security and self sufficiency.”
Citi
"Citi is proud to support the YWCA and its commitment to making a difference in the lives of women who live and work in White Plains,” said Andrew Ditton, Co-Head of Citi Community Capital. “We will continue to finance and invest in projects that benefit our local communities and uphold our core principles."
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
“The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is proud to join with our member, M&T Bank, to support the YWCA Residence for Women,” said Alfred A. DelliBovi, president of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. “The YWCA White Plans & Central Westchester’s mission is a vital one, and the renovations made to the building will ensure that permanent supportive and affordable housing for women remains available in Westchester.”
Enterprise
“Thanks to the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester and Jonathan Rose Companies, 193 dynamic women will have a safe, stable, and affordable home,” said Abby Jo Sigal, Vice President and Market Leader, Enterprise Community Partners. “Enterprise is committed to creating green, sustainable affordable housing, and we’re proud to have provided grant support to this terrific project.”
NYSERDA
“Through NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program (MPP), the comprehensive energy assessment evaluated potential measures to achieve the project's energy savings target of 25%, and improve the health, safety, comfort, and security of the YWCA residents,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “The installed energy efficiency measures will save the YWCA more than $71,000 annually in energy costs, making it possible for more resources to be directed to its valuable core programs.”
Community Capital Resources
“Community Capital first learned about the terrific work that the YWCA does at the residence in 1995 when we made our first loan to the agency. At that time there was a need for modest improvements in electrical systems. As we began to learn more about the project, we were impressed with the warm, supportive community that the YWCA had created. In 2005, when we were approached and asked if CCR would be willing to make that first catalytic loan so that the YWCA could undertake a much more substantial rehabilitation, we were thrilled to take part. In the intervening years we had an opportunity to work with Lori Stanlick and her staff to provide workshops and financial counseling to some of the residents, which confirmed our view that the Women’s Residence is a unique and wonderful resource for women in our community. CCR is delighted to have played a small role in making sure that this building will provide a welcoming home to women for many years to come.” Kim Jacobs, Executive Director, Community Capital Resources
Leviticus Fund
"The Leviticus Fund has a special interest in financing affordable housing projects that benefit women. So we are pleased to have been a part the YWCA's wonderful project on North Broadway," said David C. Raynor, Executive Director, Leviticus 25:23 Alternative Fund, Inc.
The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
“CSH is pleased to have supported the transformation of the historic YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester structure into affordable, state of the art housing coupled with meaningful support services. We applaud the leadership, the development team, the investors and the community for banding together to create a better life for 194 women in need,” said Diane Louard-Michel, Director, Corporation for Supportive Housing.
About the YWCA Residence: The YWCA’s Residence for Women provides social services relating to disabilities, medical illness, and domestic violence. Through case management and supportive services at the YWCA, women are reunited with their families and connected with doctors, social service agencies, and education resources. The YWCA also provides employment counseling, referral services to job training programs in the community, assistance with resume writing, and preparing for interviews.
For more information about applying for an available unit at the Residence for Women, go to www.ywcawpcw.org or call (914) 428-1130.
About the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester: Since 1929, the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester has been a pioneer for social change through innovative programs that seek to improve the lives of women and families and that strive for racial justice. Each week, the YWCA serves over 4,000 women, children, and their families through early education, after-school, summer camp, athletic, and other community programs. The YWCA also provides a home for 193 low-income women at its newly renovated $25 million Residence for Women in White Plains.
For more information about how to give your time, talent, tenacity and financial support to the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, please contact Danielle Cylich, Director of Development, at (914) 949-6227 ext. 147 or email at dcylich@ywcawpcw.org.
About Jonathan Rose Companies: Jonathan Rose Companies LLC is an award-winning green real estate firm providing investment, development and planning services. Its mission is to strengthen the fabric of communities. The firm works with cities, not-for-profit organizations and private clients to develop creative solutions to real estate challenges. For more information, visit www.rosecompanies.com.
