Queens, NY Federation of Organizations currently has a nine-story, 118-unit affordable housing development under construction in Far Rockaway. The property, which will be named the Barbara Faron Residence, is located at 20-50 Nameoke Ave. and is expected to be completed by August 2023.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Federation is a multi-service health and wellness agency providing clinical, residential and outreach services to vulnerable populations in Long Island and New York City.
The building will include 71 units for individuals who are recovering from mental health conditions and who would otherwise have no permanent place to live. An additional 46 units will be earmarked for individuals and families who meet low-income eligibility. Residents will receive supportive services, such as life skills training, crisis intervention and community integration services, as needed. The final unit is reserved for a live-in superintendent, and there will also be office space and various amenities.
The new development will help prevent homelessness while providing person-centered support to individuals with disabilities based on their needs.
“The building is beautifully designed, and it will enhance the neighborhood in addition to helping address a critical need for affordable housing among the populations we serve,” said Beau Gardon, Federation’s director of Facilities, who is overseeing the construction.
Federation is partnering on the ground-up project with architectural firm Urban Architectural Initiatives, construction firm Mega Contracting Group, and consulting company CSD Housing, which assists nonprofit organizations in developing affordable housing. Federation leaders joined with representatives of these partner organizations at a topping off ceremony for the development in May. The project dates to 2019, when Federation filed for initial permits. The project included the demotion of an existing one-story building, which had at one time been a post office, on the property.
The Barbara Faron Residence is named in honor of Federation’s long-time chief executive officer. Faron, who is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, joined the Federation team in 1978 and took the helm in 1986. Under her steadfast leadership, Federation has grown from a small nonprofit organization serving Suffolk County to a multi-faceted social service agency serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx, providing care to thousands of individuals each year while employing more than 500 people.
“We are thrilled with the progress of our new affordable housing development, which will add a significant number of units to our residential program and help us fulfill our mission of providing vulnerable community members with the tools and supports they need to improve their health and live as independently as possible,” Faron said.