CUCS is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest 60-unit extended stay residence in the Crotona Park East section of the Bronx. Tenants began moving in last month and now the residence is fully occupied.

CUCS is the owner, developer, property manager and service provider for the site which is funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). CUCS will be helping adults who need intensive assistance to eventually access less service-intensive forms of housing including supportive housing, scattered site apartment programs and fully independent living.

GOING GREEN 

CUCS is not only fulfilling its mission by opening the Crotona Park East and assisting the community's most vulnerable members, it's exceeding its mission by "going green." The building contains numerous environmentally friendly features such as energy efficient light bulbs and other fixtures; most notable however is the building's "green roof" to combat the urban heat island effect created in densely populated metropolitan areas.

By covering the roof with native grasses and plants, the building stays cooler, operating costs are reduced down the line and CUCS is able to continue offering tenants the highest quality services possible.

To prepare residents for more independent living, the Crotona Park East provides:

• - 24-hour on-site professional staff
• - comprehensive case management services
• - supported employment
• - medical and mental health services
• - assistance developing community living skills
• - medication monitoring
• - substance abuse services
• - money managment and budgeting assistance

The 60 studio unit apartments each contain a kitchenette and bathroom. Common areas for tenants include a large dinning area where meals are served and community meetings are held for the entire tenancy, a computer room/library, a gym and a backyard garden.

Capital funding for the building is provided through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and the NYS OMH.