Breaking Ground Schermerhorn

- 160 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

In the world of real estate, there is a sector that goes beyond traditional buying and selling, focusing instead on a social mission to provide a foundational need: a home. Breaking Ground is a leading non-profit organization in New York City that specializes in creating and managing supportive and affordable housing. Their project at 160 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn, known as Breaking Ground Schermerhorn, is a prime example of their innovative approach. This isn't a conventional real estate agency where you'd list a property or find a luxury rental. Instead, it is a crucial real estate entity that develops and manages housing for some of the city's most vulnerable residents, including formerly homeless individuals and those with low incomes. This article will provide an overview of this unique real estate model and the vital role it plays in the Brooklyn community.

Breaking Ground is a pioneer in the development of supportive and affordable housing. Founded on the belief that a safe and stable home is the first step toward a person's well-being, the organization works to combat homelessness and housing instability in New York City. The Schermerhorn building, opened in 2009, is a collaborative project that provides a haven for its residents. The building is not only a place to live but a full-service community, offering a suite of on-site services to help residents stabilize their lives. It represents a different kind of "real estate agency"—one where the goal is not profit, but people. The reviews and public information about the building highlight both the challenges and the critical importance of this work. While some residents express concerns about the physical condition of units or the struggles of some tenants, they also acknowledge the dedication of the staff and the vital role the building plays. This dynamic underscores the complex and compassionate nature of Breaking Ground’s mission, which is to provide housing to people who face significant challenges, often with a history of mental health issues, substance abuse, or chronic homelessness.

Breaking Ground Schermerhorn is located at 160 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. This is an extremely central and accessible location in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. The building is situated within walking distance of several major subway stations, including the Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets station, which provides access to the A, C, and G subway lines, and the Jay Street-MetroTech station, which serves the A, C, F, and R lines. The extensive network of public transportation makes the building highly convenient for residents who need to travel for work, medical appointments, or to access other services throughout the city. The location is a strategic choice, placing the building at the nexus of several vital neighborhoods and commercial hubs, allowing residents to be fully integrated into the fabric of the community. In addition to its excellent accessibility, the building features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all residents and visitors can navigate the space with ease, which is a key part of its commitment to inclusivity.

The services offered at Breaking Ground Schermerhorn are far more extensive than those of a typical real estate agency, reflecting the organization's comprehensive approach to housing and social support.

Services Offered:

• Housing Developments & New Housing: The core service of Breaking Ground is the development of new housing units to increase the supply of permanent and temporary homes for vulnerable populations.
• Property & Housing Management: They manage the day-to-day operations of the building, ensuring the property is well-maintained and that the environment is safe and secure for all residents.
• Homeless Services & Temporary Housing: Breaking Ground provides a continuum of care, from street outreach to transitional and temporary housing, helping individuals move from homelessness to stability.
• Tenant Services & Administrative Support: They offer on-site support to residents, including administrative assistance and other services to help them maintain their tenancy.
• Benefits Assistance: The team helps residents navigate the complex process of applying for and managing government benefits, such as SSI and disability, which are often crucial for their financial stability.
• Primary Medical Care & Mental Health Care: A vital component of their supportive housing model is the provision of on-site health services, including primary care and mental health support, which are essential for residents' well-being.
• Green Building & Renovation Projects: Breaking Ground is committed to sustainable practices, often renovating and revitalizing older buildings using green building principles and managing these renovation projects from start to finish.

Breaking Ground Schermerhorn and the organization as a whole are distinguished by several key features and highlights that make their work so impactful.

Features and Highlights:

• Supportive Housing Model: This is the central feature. The building is not just a place to live; it's a supportive community with on-site staff and services designed to help residents overcome the challenges that led to their homelessness.
• Partnership with the Arts Community: A portion of the units are reserved for low-income professionals in the performing arts, which helps to integrate the building into the vibrant artistic community of the area and promotes a diverse resident population.
• On-site Social Services: The provision of on-site medical care, mental health support, and benefits assistance is a major highlight, as it removes significant barriers to a resident's stability and health.
• Green and Sustainable Practices: The organization's commitment to green building and renovation projects shows a dedication to not only helping people but also to creating high-quality, sustainable properties that benefit the entire community.
• Wheelchair Accessible: The building’s accessibility features ensure that it can serve a wide range of individuals, including those with physical disabilities.

For more information about Breaking Ground's services or to inquire about housing eligibility, you can contact them using the details below.

Contact Information:

Address: 160 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (800) 324-7055

Mobile Phone: +1 800-324-7055

In a city where housing is a persistent challenge, Breaking Ground Schermerhorn is a powerful and necessary entity. What is worth choosing about this "real estate agency" is its unwavering focus on social good. For New Yorkers, particularly those who are low-income, formerly homeless, or involved in the performing arts, the opportunity to secure a home at Breaking Ground Schermerhorn is life-changing. It’s an option for those who may not find support in the traditional real estate market. The building provides a stable, safe, and supportive environment with on-site services that address the root causes of housing instability. While the reviews acknowledge the complexities of such a community, they also praise the staff's dedication and the positive impact on residents' lives. In a city grappling with homelessness, Breaking Ground offers a proven, compassionate, and effective model for creating homes and rebuilding lives, making it an invaluable asset to Brooklyn and to New York City as a whole.

Breaking Ground Schermerhorn

160 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA