Dozens of Volunteers, Including N.Y. Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Distribute Apartment Starter Kits at Brooklyn Affordable Housing Complex, Honoring MLK Day
Staff from L+M Development Partners and C&C Apartment Management with Monica Santos, S:US Chief Program Officer, Perry Perlmutter, S:US President & CEO, Laura Rog, NYC Chief Service Officer, plus electeds NYS Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, and Council Member Chris Banks.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, January 20, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jack Lynch
[email protected] | 908-487-1756
Alafia Phase 1A will host 452 units of affordable housing for formerly homeless individuals and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
NEW YORK – Today, Services for the UnderServed (S:US), one of the largest direct services nonprofits in New York City, welcomed more than 40 AmeriCorps volunteers to help distribute apartment starter kits at Alafia Phase 1A, a new multi-phased, mixed-use affordable and supportive housing development in East New York. Volunteers, including New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and New York City Chief Service Officer Laura Rog, organized and distributed the apartment starter kits as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
Volunteers helped set up 48 new apartments for formerly homeless individuals, providing future residents with basic supplies like bedding, shower curtains, pots and pans and other essential household items.
“Moving into a new home should be a moment of dignity and hope. By providing these starter kits with essential household items, we’re not just offering four walls and a roof —we’re creating a true home where our residents can rebuild their lives,” said Perry Perlmutter, President and CEO, Services for the UnderServed. “These starter kits mean that from day one, residents can cook a meal, take a shower, and sleep in a properly made bed. It’s about treating people with respect and giving them the foundation they need to focus on their future.”
“Today, as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I’m humbled to join Services for the UnderServed, NYC Service, and AmeriCorps members in providing essential items and services to individuals moving into supportive housing in East New York,” said Lieutenant Governor Delgado. “Dr. King taught us that ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’ We must strive to answer Dr. King’s question by serving our neighbors — no matter their background —across our great state.”
“Today’s event highlights the transformative power of service and community,” said Laura Rog, New York City Chief Service Officer. “Thank you to the 40 AmeriCorps members who volunteered and to S:US for their incredible work in hosting this project, demonstrating that when we come together to support our neighbors, we create lasting change. Helping these residents continue their journey in a safe and supportive home is a testament to the impact service can have in building a stronger, more affordable and compassionate city.”
S:US works with communities and individuals throughout the city to ensure every New Yorker in need has the chance to find a home and lead a life of purpose. Alafia is one of S:US’ largest developments to date and will eventually feature 2,400 units of affordable and supportive housing, as well as a health clinic, community facility space, manufacturing space, commercial space, and over 11 acres of publicly accessible open space. Monday’s event took place at the site of Alafia Phase 1A, which has a total of 452 units of affordable housing. The new tenants, who will include formerly homeless individuals and people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, are scheduled to move in mid-February.
Alafia Phase 1A is the first phase to open as part of the broader Alafia Project, an ambitious multi-phased mixed-use development project located on a 28.5-acre site in East New York’s Spring Creek area. The site was awarded to the development team in November 2018 with the rights to develop the former Brooklyn Development Center under the Vital Brooklyn affordable housing initiative. Alafia Phase 1A includes residential amenities such as a computer room, gym, laundry room, and community room, in addition to a 15,000 SF health clinic operated by One Brooklyn Health System, 7,800 SF of retail space, and a 37,000 SF residential courtyard with seating, a playground, urban farms programming and workout areas. Alafia Phase 1A will also provide services for residents living with a behavioral health diagnosis and individuals living with an intellectual/developmental disability. The project aims to address the neighborhood’s pressing health and economic challenges, as East New York currently faces limited access to healthy food options and high rates of obesity and diabetes.
The development is planned around “Blue Zone” principles, inspired by global communities where people consistently live longer, healthier lives. This includes an extensive network of green spaces with a one-mile fitness loop, 11.3 acres of public access areas, and nine active play zones.
Services for the UnderServed was joined Monday by its development partners: Apex Building Company, L+M Development Partners, and RiseBoro Community Partnership.
For more information on Services for the UnderServed, visit sus.org.
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About Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
S:US envisions a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive, and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. S:US has a staff of 1,800 that provides $275 million in services. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Most importantly, S:US’ vision allows the organization to deliver the same quality of services to one individual or to thousands.