HELP USA Opens $129M Affordable Housing Community

Redeveloping its former 1987-built shelter, HELP USA has opened HELP ONE’s first phase, a 255-unit affordable community in Brooklyn, N.Y. Construction costs rose up to $129 million, with funding from the New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Bank of New York Mellon, as well as Regions Affordable Housing.

The architecture services were provided by Curtis + Ginsberg Architects. Once phase two is completed, the community is expected to feature more than 500 units.

Creating rental affordability in Brooklyn

Building A and Building B comprise the development’s first phase. The former encompasses 184 units with one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans. Some 60 percent of these apartments will be reserved to formerly homeless families and youth, according to the New York YIMBY. The latter features 71 units including studio and one-bedroom floorplans, with 60 percent of the residences being reserved for formerly homeless adults with mental health issues and those recovering from substance abuse, the same source reveals. Community amenities include a dog park, a courtyard with a playground, barbecue grills, as well as green space for outdoor recreation and picnicking.

Located at 273 Snediker Ave., the community is 1 mile north of New York State Route 27 and 2 miles south of Highland Park, as well as roughly 6 miles west of JFK International Airport. The Sutter Avenue subway and B14 bus stations are less than 1 mile away. Nearby retail and dining options include Dollar Tree and Dunkin’, all within a 1-mile radius. Just 3 miles away, CAMBA’s $238 million affordable housing project broke ground in December. Completion is expected in 2026.

Residents will receive rental subsidies for 15 years through the NYC 15/15 Supportive Housing Initiative Rental Assistance Contract. HELP Social Services Corp. provides the community with educational programs, job training, clinical supervision and preventative health support groups. HELP ROADS, a counseling and assistance program for survivors of domestic abuse, is also available.