Critical Need and Encore's Response
Margaret Meade said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world…Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” Inspired by these words, Encore undertook the challenge of creating housing for the elderly in need of permanent and affordable living situations. To create these two housing projects with very distinct styles of housing was a major challenge and each came with its own unique aspects and complexities. Encore 49 Residence came first and involved major renovation of a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building at 220 W. 49th Street. Encore West Residence at 755 Tenth Ave. came next and involved new construction from the ground up, utilizing primarily HUD funding under Section 202.
To accomplish completion of both projects was a major milestone for Encore. Encore realized early on, though we had experience with the elderly and many skills, construction and renovation expertise were not at the top of the list. Thus, with the support and help of a skilled group of “thoughtful committed citizens” these housing projects came to fruition and are fully occupied today by the elderly. ….and the “world” of the elderly in need of decent, safe and affordable housing “changed the world” for 88 seniors at the Encore 49 Residence and 96 elderly at the Encore West Residence.
Tags: aging, elder, elderly, low income, mental illness, non profit, seniors