VIP Community Services celebrates the opening of College Avenue Apartments

VIP Community Services held our official opening of College Avenue Apartments in the Bronx May 21st -- a new supportive housing residence that provides studio apartments to a mix of low-income and formerly homeless individuals with special needs. On hand were OTDA Commissioner David Hansell, HPD Assistant Commissioner for Special Needs Housing Tim O'Hanlon and Assemblymember Michael Benjamin as well as representatives from Community Board 4

Commissioner David Hansell, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, presenting a plaque to Sandra Butter and Debra Vizzi, with OTDA Project Manager Elaine Conway looking on.”

Of special note were the contributions of State Assembly Member Michael Benjamin and the local Community Board, both of whom received plaques honoring their support. District Manager Jose Rodriguez and Housing and Land Use Chairperson Reverend Earl McKay accepted the award on behalf of the Community Board.

Another high point at the opening were speeches by building tenants, including David Obele who became homeless after September 11th. An advocate with the Coalition for the Homeless and a student at NYU Law School, David raved about his apartment, efforts to organize a tenant advocacy group, and the opportunity supportive housing has provided him to overcome his mental illness.

College Avenue Apartments is VIP's fifth supportive housing apartment building, all of which are located in the Mid-Bronx.