October 6, 2025 – Utica, New York — The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has announced the start of construction on the Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center, which will provide 20 units of permanent supportive housing in Utica for veterans, individuals, and families who have experienced homelessness. The $12 million project received $10 million from OTDA's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP).
“The apartments being developed at the Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center in Utica will provide those who have experienced homelessness, including veterans and their families, with safe, affordable housing they can call home, as well as easy access to the essential services they need to live stable, independent lives,” said OTDA Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn. “We are grateful to Utica Development Corporation and all our partners on this important project and to Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being of New York's veterans.”
Developed by Utica Center for Development, Inc. (UCD), the project converts a two-story former YWCA building into supportive housing. Construction will occur in two phases:
Additional funding sources include:
Operating funds are provided through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by OTDA.
“The Department of Veterans' Services is proud to contribute funding toward this vital project, which will provide Veterans and their families with permanent supportive housing in Utica. I thank Governor Hochul for her steadfast leadership… The Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center exemplifies their remarkable work and the strength of this impactful state and local partnership,” said NY State Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen.
“The Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center represents a powerful investment in the future of Utica and the lives of those who have struggled with homelessness. Developments like this complement HCR's $25 billion Housing Plan, creating 100,000 affordable and supportive homes statewide,” said NY State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas.
“This project is a tremendous step forward in addressing homelessness in our community while also honoring our veterans… It is especially fitting that it bears the name of Mary Webster, whose legacy of service and compassion continues to inspire,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.
“The UCD is very grateful to the State of New York and all its partners that have helped us get here. We are proud to serve our community and help those that need our help the most, while at the same time reviving another building in the City of Utica that holds such a rich history,” said UCD Executive Director Vincent Scalise.
The UCD also operates the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center (CNYVOC), serving approximately 2,500 veterans and their families annually across Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Lewis, Jefferson, Otsego, Delaware, Greene, Ulster, Schoharie, Chenango, and St. Lawrence Counties. Services include case management, legal aid, benefits assistance, and provision of basic necessities.
The project is a key component of Governor Hochul’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 units with supportive services for vulnerable populations and the electrification of 50,000 additional homes. HHAP funding ensures that emergency shelters can also be constructed, rehabilitated, or repaired across the state.
This initiative underscores New York State’s commitment to transforming underused buildings into homes for those most in need, while supporting veterans, individuals with mental illness, and families experiencing homelessness.
Originally reported by Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, New York.
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