Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that construction is officially underway on The Morgan, a new $32.5 million supportive and affordable housing development in Jamaica, Queens. The project will introduce 50 new homes, including 30 units designated for New Yorkers living with serious mental illness, and represents a key piece of the Governor’s sweeping statewide investment in mental health and specialized housing.
“This project shows that we are fully committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to affordable housing, including the most vulnerable among us,” Governor Hochul said. “The Morgan will offer much-needed support and dignified housing for individuals living with serious mental illness, providing them with services so they may remain safely and stably housed in the Jamaica area of Queens.”
The development is being spearheaded by Transitional Services for New York (TSINY), which will integrate a full suite of on-site support services. The 30 supportive units will include access to case managers, 24/7 staffing, peer support, skill-building programs, harm-reduction strategies, conflict-resolution assistance, and other resources designed to foster independence and long-term stability. An additional 20 apartments will serve residents earning at or below 50% of the area median income.
The Morgan is supported by $12.4 million from the State Office of Mental Health, part of Governor Hochul’s broader $1 billion investment in mental health care and expanded housing options. The project includes layered funding from several state and city agencies, including:
The comprehensive funding underscores the state’s belief that supportive housing is essential to long-term mental health recovery.
The development will replace a vacant single-family home with an eight-story, 31,218-square-foot building designed for modern, sustainable living. Features include:
New York leaders from multiple agencies emphasized the role of supportive housing in breaking cycles of homelessness, fostering stability, and providing long-term pathways to independence.
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan stated, “By providing stable housing for New Yorkers living with serious mental illness, we can create an environment where they can live and thrive in their community. The Morgan will help individuals access supportive services and continue their journey toward recovery.”
Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn of OTDA added that the supportive units will give residents “a safe, affordable place to live, but with easy access to services to help them overcome barriers that may have contributed to them experiencing homelessness.”
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas highlighted that the state’s $7 million investment will help “provide 50 affordable, sustainable, and supportive homes that will help the Jamaica community thrive.”
DASNY President & CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said DASNY is honored to help ensure the project delivers “stable, dignified housing that individuals need to thrive in their community.”
Lawmakers representing Queens and other regions also reiterated the need for permanent supportive housing across New York.
State Senator Leroy Comrie praised the development for offering residents “a real path forward,” noting that too many New Yorkers completing treatment have nowhere stable to go. Senator Jessica Ramos called supportive housing “a lifeline,” adding that The Morgan embodies “housing, dignity, and the holistic support that truly empowers people to heal and thrive.”
Assemblymembers Angelo Santabarbara, Alicia L. Hyndman, and Clyde Vanel echoed that sentiment, with Hyndman calling The Morgan “a meaningful investment in our Queens community,” and Santabarbara emphasizing that such projects are “more than new buildings — they offer hope and opportunity.”
The State Office of Mental Health is advancing the largest supportive housing expansion in New York in decades. This includes:
TSINY CEO Dr. Larry Grubler said, “We are proud to partner with New York State in establishing these additional units of supportive housing in the community. The Morgan will continue our mission of offering stable housing and access to services for residents who have traditionally faced hurdles in securing them.”
Originally reported by Governor New York Government.
