Press

The nonprofit group Services for the UnderServed (SUS) has purchased four old buildings in Hell’s Kitchen with plans to turn them into much-needed affordable housing.

“Homelessness is at the core of what we’re trying to address,” said Arlo Chase, senior vice president of Real Estate at S:US.

The four buildings, located at 351-357 West 45th Street, will be renovated to provide permanent homes for families currently in shelters.

“New York is in a housing crisis,” Chase added. “There are groups like S:US, our partners, and the city of NY who are funding the operation through HPD, and we’re trying to make a dent to create more affordable housing and leave shelter.”

The buildings, which consist of 80 units, are in poor condition. Currently, 11 tenants are living there, and they will all receive newly renovated apartments. The remaining units will be distributed through the NYC Human Resources Administration.

“They’ve been living in really deplorable conditions, and we have a lot of sympathy for them,” said Chase. “They’re skeptical, but I think they’re open to new ownership in a new day.”

After renovations, which are set to begin in the new year, the walk-up buildings will feature amenities such as a gym, computer lab, and offices for social services that tenants can utilize.

“We aim to help with budgeting, counseling, employment skills, family reunification to enable them to be able to live successful independent lives,” Chase explained.

S:US estimates that the renovations will take about 12-15 months to complete once they start in the new year.

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