ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) – A new affordable housing complex has opened in Elmira.

LaFrance Apartments is located at 416 Powell Street in the City. Construction first began in October 2019 and was completed in November 2020. Now, 37 tenants have moved in; residents were selected on a random basis through a housing lottery in July, and they started moving in at the end of 2020.

Several organizations assisted with the project, including Providence Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler and the New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

The $8.2 million development has 37 one-bedroom apartments for 17 individuals or two-person families, and 20 apartments reserved for eligible NYS Empire State Homeless Housing Initiative residents referred by Catholic Charities.

“With so many struggling during 2020, we are thrilled to be able to provide safe, affordable housing to those having difficulty finding a home,” said Mark Greisberger, Executive Director for Providence Housing. “There is a tremendous housing need for community members with a disability, who are homeless or are working on their recovery, and we are happy to make housing and services available for those in need.”

Catholic Charities also offers skills training and case management services to eligible residents at the complex to help “build life skills, prepare residents for job readiness and aide with recovery”.

“It’s important to make affordable apartments available for people who may find it difficult to find safe housing. We are privileged to provide needed support services for the residents of LaFrance,” states Nancy Koons, Executive Director of Catholic Charities. To assist residents needing stability and recovery counseling, Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler partnered with Casa-Trinity of Chemung who provides 24/7 on-site guidance, allowing LaFrance residents to feel fully supported.”