Habitat for Humanity New York City celebrated the completion of Dean Street Residences with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 22, and welcomed 15 families to their new, affordable homes in Brownsville.
The afternoon-long celebration brought together Habitat homeowners, volunteers, donors and staff who worked together to create 15 new units of affordable homeownership.
State Senator Roxanne Persaud and Assemblymember Latrice Walker were among the elected officials who joined the celebration.
"The work of more than volunteers and staff culminates in days like today when we welcome hard-working families into stable, affordable homes that they can call their own," said Karen Haycox, CEO of Habitat for Humanity NYC. "This is an investment in families and communities that reverberates to other critical outcomes such as improved health, educational attainment and civic engagement."
Dean Street Residences broke ground in 2016 at the corner of Dean Street and Mother Gaston Boulevard. Construction professionals and volunteers joined forces to build a four-story, multi-family building comprised of 15 two-bedroom apartments to be sold at an affordable rate to lower-income families.
Senator Persaud applauded the community spirit that fueled the project.
"This is a huge accomplishment and helps to fill an urgent need we see in Brooklyn," she said. "It is only as a community that will we end the homelessness that impacts our neighbors and friends across New York City."
The building features amenities such as a landscaped backyard and on-site laundry facilities, and meets Enterprise Green Communities standards that ensure healthy environments and cost-saving fuel efficiency.
Habitat for Humanity NYC's homeownership model combines homebuyers' "sweat equity" -- their participation in financial and homeownership education in return for low-interest mortgages -- with volunteers and contractors to build high-quality homes at a low cost.
"No one should have to make the choice between food on their table and rent," said Assemblymember Walker. "Each and every New Yorker deserves a roof over their heads that is affordable, reliable and safe. I commend Habitat for Humanity for providing 15 families with a place to call home."
