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202 W. 24 th Street , New York , NY 10011-1702

The Christopher provides 207 units of permanent supportive housing for low-income or formerly homeless adults. The Christopher also houses the Foyer Program, a housing-based career development program targeting young adults ages 18-24 who are “aging out” of foster care or already homeless. Built originally in 1904,the building was rehabilitated by Common Ground and opened in 2004.

The Christopher is the site of the former Robert McBurney YMCA, and was an important fixture in Manhattan 's vibrant Chelsea neighborhood. Immortalized in the song “YMCA” by the Village People, the McBurney YMCA provided affordable accommodations for single working men, low-income individuals and merchant seamen. Andy Warhol and playwright Tennessee Williams were among the famous residents who took advantage of the YMCA's affordable lodging and recreational facilities.

Services that help tenants put their lives back on track and manage their housing, careers and health needs are provided by the Center for Urban Community Services Monday through Saturday and are available to all tenants. Good Shepherd Services provides education, career and other assistance to residents of the Foyer Program which are specifically tailored to the circumstances of young adults preparing for independence. Property management services, including 24-hour security, are provided by Common Ground's affiliated not for profit property management company, Common Ground Management.

In addition, Tenant Services staff offer programs and activities to foster the community life of the building. Over the past year, highlights included financial literacy and tax preparation workshops; nutritional counseling; museum outings, and classes and workshops covering topics such as sculpture and songwriting.

The building, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art security system, features a spacious lobby, a computer laboratory, a fitness center and 24-hour laundry facilities. The Christopher was built with environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo flooring and countertops made from recycled materials, and includes a green roof , which reduces runoff water and carbon emissions and creates energy savings. Rooms are fully furnished and have private baths, ceiling fans and kitchenettes that include glass top ranges.

The Christopher was the recipient of the 2005 Charles L. Edson Affordable Housing Tax Credit Excellence competition, awarded by the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition.

Total Square Footage: 77,000

Project Financing:

• Development: Rehabilitation
• Total budget: $30,400,000 ($9,000,000 acquisition, $21,400,000 development)
• Development sources & amounts:
• NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development's SRO Loan Program - $17,530,000
• NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program - $5,470,000
• Low Income Housing Tax Credits - $6,400,000
• Federal Home Loan Bank - $1,000,000

Operation Budget and Revenue:

The annual operating budget of the Christopher is $2.0 million, with rent, (including a Section 8 contract, some Section 8 vouchers and other government subsidies) covering the building's basic operating expenses. All residents sign a lease. To be eligible for residency, tenants must earn less than 60% of the area's median income. Monthly rents are set at approximately 30% of a tenant's gross annual income.

• Highlights of the past year
• Building History and Neighborhood Information

Awards

The Christopher Wins 2005 Charles L. Edson Competition Common Ground Community's newest residence, The Christopher, is a winner of the 2005 Charles L. Edson Affordable Housing Tax Credit Excellence competition, awarded by the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. The Christopher, which won the Metropolitan-Urban category, provides 207 units of affordable housing and on-site social services to a mixed population that includes low-income working adults, formerly homeless adults with special needs, and young adults who are aging out of foster care or are otherwise at risk of becoming homeless.  With our social service partners, we are providing individualized, quality employment, education, medical, and mental health services, as well as case management, in a beautiful setting that preserves affordable housing in the heart of Manhattan. View the informative boards on display at the ceremony [PDF]