Funds Secured for Supportive Housing Residence on West 107th Street 

Goddard Riverside has secured $38 million in funding to turn what was an illegal hotel at 235 West 107th Street into a supportive housing facility for the homeless. Details for the plan were shared at a joint Community Board 7 meeting with the Health and Human Services and Housing committees on Tuesday, March 28.

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Previously known as the Morningside Inn, the building was purchased in 2021 by Goddard Riverside and Rockabill, a consulting firm focused on supportive housing development. The building will be renamed ‘The Stephan Russo Residence’ and will include 54 housing units for the homeless and six affordable units that people can apply for through New York City’s housing lottery. Eight affordable units are also being earmarked for long-term residents who currently live in the space.

“So, this particular project is permanent tenants, stable housing and not a shelter,” noted Roderick L. Jones, executive director of Goddard Riverside Community Center. “I think it’s important that we call out [that] this is not a shelter.”

Community Board 7 recently tabled a vote on the Safe Haven shelter planned for 106-108 West 83rd Street, which is being classified as a ‘low barrier transitional housing program’ for the homeless.

The Stephen Russo Residence will have two communal kitchens and dining areas meant to serve six or seven residents (men or women) on each floor of the 6-story property. On-site counseling and health support services will also be available for permanent tenants.

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“In addition, the first floor and cellar will be renovated to create a community room and dedicated space for crucial case management and social services, which will be managed by Goddard Riverside,” said Goddard in a press release. “Passage to and from the building’s east and north courtyards will be improved so residents can fully enjoy these outside areas, and the entire property will be made ADA compliant.”

Renovations to the building are slated to begin in April with the goal of completion by the fall of 2024. Goddard and Rockabill hope to open the residence sometime between the fall of 2024 and the spring of 2025.