The shortage of affordable housing in New York City is a critical issue, particularly for low-income seniors. Encore has taken a proactive role to develop housing, both for homeless elderly with special needs and low-income seniors. These housing facilities are aimed at providing safe and decent housing for seniors, and contribute to the revitalization and stability of the Times Square and Clinton communities in midtown Manhattan.

220 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019
Tel: 212-581-3490 (Social Services)
212-246-0880 (Building & Front Desk)
Fax: 212-541-7697

The Encore 49 Residence opened its doors in 1988 to welcome elderly men and women, who had become homeless or had been living in transitional situations or shelters. Today, eighty-nine formerly homeless elderly, many of whom have histories of mental illness compounded by physical, emotional and financial difficulties, call the Encore 49 Residence home, where they are provided with safe and dignified housing. A former single-room occupancy hotel that was converted into a permanent housing facility in 1988, Encore 49 is a model for supportive housing. One of the unique and important aspects of the Residence is the on-site social service team who provides clinical and supportive services to help residents lead independent and self-sustaining lives.

In 2002, the Residence completed its last of many renovations undertaken to refurbish the exterior and interior of this 100 year old building, built in 1902. Residents now enjoy the comforts of renovated rooms, with new flooring, air conditioning units, and lighting. A newly overhauled elevator guarantees that our elderly residents can continue to count on Encore for safe and supportive living.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Homeless or at risk of homelessness, age 55 or over
• Interest in living independently within a supportive type of housing and a willingness to participate in activities and programs
• Current proof of physical examination and adherence to a treatment plan for medical issues
• Evaluation by a psychiatrist and willingness to follow recommendations
• No active substance or alcohol abuse and motivation to remain sober
• No violent, disruptive or socially aggressive behavior which may be a danger to self or others.

On-site Building Services:

• Furnished room, with bed, armoire, bureau, night stand, lamp, refrigerator, chair and air conditioner
• 24-hour front desk coverage, reception and security, video monitoring, visitors’ sign-in procedure
• Front desk intercom system and telephone service for incoming calls

• 	Encore residents gather for activities

  Public phone in lobby; private phone service arranged by residents
• Weekly linen service
• Shared kitchen and cooking areas on each floor
• Coin-operated laundry facilities
• Cable television in lobby and cable ready rooms
• On-site 24/7 Fire Safety Directors
• Full maintenance staff

• Case management
• Mental health counseling
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Psychiatric and therapeutic programs
• Recreational, group and educational activities

755 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
(between 51st and 52nd Streets)
Tel: 212-991-3727
Fax: 212-991-6722

The Encore West Residence, a new housing project in midtown Manhattan, addresses the need for affordable housing for very low-income seniors 62 years of age and older, with incomes of $24,800 or less. Funding for this project was secured (through a capital grant) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), under its Section 202 Supportive Housing Program for the Elderly. Encore West will provide 84 fully-equipped apartments, kitchenette and laundry facilities, a library, a multipurpose community room and other amenities in a safe, secure and caring environment. Encore West will also offer on-site services to help seniors maintain their independence, and a variety of recreational activities for social interaction, so important in maintaining good health of body and spirit! The need for affordable housing is at a critical level for many elderly citizens whose incomes fall far below what is needed to survive. Projects such as Encore West help to alleviate this growing housing crisis for seniors with limited incomes. If you would like to help with this new housing project, please read the Naming Opportunities Section below.

Naming Opportunities

By making a generous gift to Encore, you have an opportunity to help us provide a beautiful and safe new home for low-income seniors. While Encore has secured the necessary funding for bricks and mortar through a capital grant from HUD, additional funding is needed for equipment, furnishings and other necessities not covered by this grant.

Individual and personally engraved wall plaques are available for gifts of $10,000. These plaques will be displayed in a prominent location in any of the major rooms listed below. For gifts of $5,000, you can have a smaller, engraved plaque that will be placed outside the door of one of the 84 rooms in the new residence. In addition, gifts of $500 to $1,000 will enable Encore to purchase furnishings, appliances, equipment and other items listed under each major room.

For further information on donations or naming opportunities for the Encore West Residence, please contact Encore’s Development Director at 212-581-3490, ext. 168.

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Located at St. Malachy's, The Actors' Chapel
239 West 49th Street • New York, NY • 10019 • (212) 581-2910

Copyright © 2006 Encore Community Services