Volunteers of America-Greater New York Celebrates Grand Opening of YP Senior Residence With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

New 117-unit apartment building serving very-low and low-income seniors opening in the Bronx.

BRONX, NY (June 3, 2025) – Today, Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) celebrated the grand opening of YP Senior Residence, a new 117-unit affordable and supportive senior housing property in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Older adults are the fastest growing population in New York and one in eight are living in poverty—a figure that has increased at an alarming rate over the last decade. In that same period, the average cost of rent in the Bronx has risen nearly 20%, outpacing the change in median household income by 13%.

YP Senior Residence was built to address the growing need for more affordable, supportive housing for older adults, providing them the opportunity to “age in place” in the neighborhoods they helped build and shape. The new residence follows the opening of VOA-GNY’s East Clarke Place Senior Residence in 2021, which provides similarly affordable, supportive, and thoughtfully-designed housing for seniors in the Bronx.

“It is an honor to help reverse the growing crisis of senior homelessness, and address the serious risks social isolation and loneliness can have on the health of older adults,” said Jeffrey R. Ginsburg, President and CEO of VOA-GNY. “We thank our partners for their generosity and collaboration, without whom the development of YP Senior Residence would not have been possible. Older New Yorkers deserve to age with dignity and independence, and we are proud to help make this possible.”

YP Senior Residence will provide housing to very low and low-income seniors (aged 62+), with a total of 117 apartments for seniors, 37 of which are reserved for those experiencing chronic homelessness. All residents will benefit from rent subsidies.

The building was designed to address the need for a supportive community environment for seniors. It features large communal spaces and lounges throughout the building to encourage socialization and combat the crisis of senior isolation. VOA-GNY will provide concierge resources and care coordination services that support residents in accessing on- and off-site services. The building also features green and sustainable features to achieve LEED for HOMEs Platinum certification.

Financing was provided by NYS Housing Finance Agency, Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, NYC Housing Preservation & Development, NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program, NYS Homes Community Renewal, NYS Office of Temporary Disability & Assistance, Reso A – Office of the Bronx Borough President, Bronx Delegation of New York City Council, and NYS Energy Research & Development Authority.

The Design Development Team was comprised of VOA-GNY (sponsor, co-developer, owner, and property manager), Robert Sanborn Development, LLC, (co-developer), Magnusson Architecture and Planning (project architect), Procida Construction (general contractor), Olive Branch Consulting (owner’s representative), and Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP (legal counsel).

“Older New Yorkers are often the anchors of our communities and the stewards of our shared history. That’s why, at HPD, we are deeply committed to ensuring that those who helped build and sustain their neighborhoods can age with dignity in safe, affordable homes,” said New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “Today’s event is a testament to the incredible work that can happen when we work together — guided by our values and commitment to take care of our neighbors, including those who need a bit of additional support — and deliver real, tangible results.”

“One of my biggest priorities as commissioner has been to build bridges between the affordable housing side and the homeless services lane to create a pipeline of housing options for vulnerable New Yorkers. This project and the work of Volunteers of America-Greater New York will facilitate shelter exits and confront the issue of senior homelessness. The benefits of this residence couldn’t be clearer,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “We are thrilled for the tenants, who will have access to services they deserve, and we applaud VOA-GNY for being a valued partner in the effort to combat homelessness.”

“I commend Volunteers of America-Greater New York for recognizing that older adults face unique challenges in remaining stably housed and for building affordable, supportive housing that will allow senior residents to continue to be vibrant, important members of their community. VOA-GNY has long been a vital collaborator with DHS in addressing homelessness,” said New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Administrator Joslyn Carter. “Here, they are stepping up once again to serve a need and ensure that older adults age with dignity and respect, maintain or establish social connections as they leave transitional housing to a permanent home.”

“Seniors are a crucial pillar of communities across New York, and we must ensure that they have a safe and supportive place to call home,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “The YP Senior Residence will address the growing threats of homelessness and isolation among older adults by creating 117 affordable and supportive apartments — including units housing seniors who have experienced homelessness and building a safe, supportive environment for its occupants. I look forward to the positive change this project will bring to the Bronx and beyond, and I will continue to fight for the right of all Americans to age with dignity and security.”

“A society is judged by how it treats its elders — and today, we take a proud step forward,” said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. “The YP Senior Residence is more than brick and mortar — it is policy made personal. It is what happens when we invest in care, not neglect; in permanence, not patches. This building says to our seniors — especially those who have known homelessness — that your journey matters, your dignity matters, and their golden years will not be lived in the shadows. Let this ribbon cutting also be a ribbon of commitment — to build not just housing, but justice, equity, and community. Congratulations to Volunteers of America and everyone who helped turn vision into refuge. Let’s keep building.”

“Ensuring our seniors have access to safe, affordable housing is a top priority,” said New York State Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia. “I am proud to celebrate this housing development for the Bronx, a place where our seniors can age with dignity and independence. This is exactly the kind of investment we need to ensure every New Yorker has a safe and supportive place to call home.”

“Ensuring our older adults have safe, stable, and affordable housing is not just a promise, but a priority,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “With the completion of YP Senior Residence, we are taking a significant step forward in allowing our most seasoned residents to age in place with dignity, stability, and the support they deserve. I am grateful to Governor Hochul, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Bronx delegation of the City Council, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for their continued partnership in uplifting our older New Yorkers and investing in a future where every generation is cared for and valued.”

“Older New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to remain in the communities they love, and that means creating affordable apartments that provide the resources and amenities they need to live independently,” said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “This $81 million investment will allow more than 100 senior households to stay in The Bronx and offers support to those individuals who need it most. We thank Governor Hochul and each of our partners for their continued commitment to addressing the housing crisis.”

“The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s investment in YP Senior Residence will provide chronically homeless seniors in the Bronx with safe, affordable, apartments they can call home, along with easy access to vital support services that will help them remain housed and age in place with dignity and independence,” said New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn. “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to make permanent supportive housing a priority in New York State, and to all the state and local partners who supported the development of this important project.”

“Access to affordable housing and adequate support is critical for older adults who may otherwise experience isolation, preventable illness, homelessness or even death,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the department is committed to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers, and affordable and supportive housing like the YP Senior Residence will help some of our most vulnerable residents achieve basic needs for health and safety.”

“Housing that is affordable, accessible, and supportive ranks among the highest priorities for older adults across New York State,” said New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen. “Thanks to Governor Hochul, New York State is addressing this need with a comprehensive plan that brings forth innovative housing models to address health and social needs at the heart of age-friendly community development.”

“The completion of today’s project welcomes more than 100 clean, comfortable living spaces to the Bronx and helps ensure New York residents benefit from the latest modern building solutions,” said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO. “Through the use of energy efficient appliances, ventilation, and plumbing, these affordable housing units and community spaces will improve the quality of life for many senior citizens within the community.”