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More housing opportunities are coming to Morrisania as a supportive housing site undergoes major renovations.
The Leona Blanche House on Tinton Avenue, has upgrades underway to expand services and improve living conditions for residents.
Freshly planted greenery and a newly renovated backyard offer a glimpse of the improvements welcoming tenants to the property. Project Renewal officials say the outdoor space will be used for recreation and community events.
“They could come and enjoy the fresh air, get some sun, and there’s going to be a barbecue out here for community events,” said Paul Woody, chief real estate officer at Project Renewal.
Inside, a full commercial kitchen will provide three meals a day for residents. More than 50 tenants are expected to live in fully furnished studio apartments.
“A lot of our clients haven’t lived independently for a while, so they’re learning basic life skills,” Woody said. “We have an occupational therapy program that helps clients with cooking and other basic life skills.”
The facility offers transitional housing, with residents paying 30 percent of their income toward rent. On-site services include medical care, case management and housing support aimed at helping tenants achieve long-term stability.
“We have a nurse’s office to help clients with their medical needs. We have social service offices with case managers, housing advisors, program directors and medical staff to help clients stabilize their lives,” Woody said.
Construction is expected to wrap up in the coming months, with more residents set to move in shortly after.