A nearly 30-year-old family supportive housing development in Clinton Hill will be completely rebuilt and expanded after a Council Member Crystal Hudson allocated $1.5 million to the project.
The Emerson Davis Family Residence opened in 1996 to support adults with mental health illnesses who had lost custody of their children or were at risk of losing custody. Developed by the Institute for Community Living in partnership with the state’s Office of Mental Health, it’s the only such program in New York City.
According to ICL, the residence offers round-the-clock services including case management, counseling, parenting skills training, employment services, and tutoring. Some families are eventually able to move out into nearby apartments and continue to work with and receive support from the organization — 49 families have transitioned from the Residence into the community since 2008, and 74% of those families stayed together afterward.
But the old 38-unit building is in need of significant repairs. ICL had initially planned a “gut renovation,” according to a June 2024 newsletter, but with funding from Hudson, the organization now plans to totally redevelop the property into a 12-story, 103-unit building with both supportive and affordable housing.
“The Emerson Davis Family Residence has been a lifeline for many families in our community,” Hudson said in a statement. “By providing stable housing and comprehensive support, this program has kept families together and helped them thrive. This $1.5 million investment underscores our commitment to supporting families and addressing the mental health crisis in our city.”
The new building will include a children’s activity room, a fitness room, a teaching kitchen, and a tenant learning and work lounge. Affordable units will be available for tenants earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income, or $83,880 annually for a family of three.
Current tenants have already been relocated to nearby apartments, with construction expected to start in 2025 and wrap in 2028.
“A decade ago, I was admitted to Emerson Davis and received the treatment and support I needed to regain weekend visitation with my son, who had been removed from my care,” said Jessica, a former resident. “Soon after, we were permanently reunited and eventually moved into supportive housing. Today, my son is entering junior high school, and we are thriving thanks to the support we received. Council Member Hudson’s investment will ensure more families like mine can stay together.”
