The opening of Throop Corners at 88 Throop Avenue is a major victory in addressing Williamsburg’s affordable housing crisis. This 140-unit building is the result of years of community advocacy and partnership, bringing stability and opportunity to local families who have long suffered from housing insecurity in Brooklyn.
Highlights
- 140 units of affordable housing will be available at 88 Throop Avenue in Williamsburg.
- Collaboration between four community groups created the Unified Neighborhood Partners to build the project.
- 14 units are reserved solely for formerly homeless families.
New Affordable Housing Development
The newly opened Throop Corners is a welcome addition to Brooklyn’s affordable housing inventory. Local officials, housing advocates, and members of Unified Neighborhood Partners joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week to celebrate the conclusion of this highly touted project.
The development at 88 Throop Avenue is proof of the community’s determination to create housing solutions that address the growing affordability crisis impacting Williamsburg residents.
A Home for Those in Need
Throop Corners serves as a beacon of shelter, stability, and hope for families facing economic challenges. The development is especially crucial for a community where locating an affordable dwelling place is becoming difficult.
The project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to emphasize its importance for local families who have endured skyrocketing prices and limited options when it comes to housing in the vicinity.
Shellice Beharie’s Journey to Stable Housing
Shellice Beharie, a new tenant of the building, is a testament to the life-changing potential of Throop Corners. Since losing her eyesight in 2016, shortly after having her second son, Beharie has fought numerous challenges, including devastating losses within her family and stints in the shelter system.
“It’s been a lot,” she said. “It’s hard, but you can’t give up and you got to keep on trucking and you got to keep on pushing, even if it takes three, five years.” Courtesy of St. Nick’s Alliance, Beharie eventually found herself in the security of a stable home at Throop Corners, a breakthrough after years of hardship and perseverance.
Impact on Formerly Homeless Families
The project consists of 14 units specifically designated for formerly homeless families. The idea is to meet the acute demand for transitional housing solutions for vulnerable households. By creating a path of transition from homelessness to stable housing, Throop Corners is an essential step to end the cycle of housing insecurity that plagues many Brooklyn families.
Collaborative Development for a Brighter Future
Throop Corners was developed through a collaboration of community organizations committed to inclusive development. The initiative ensured that the project would benefit a diverse group of residents while also meeting immediate housing demands.
This unified approach demonstrates how community organizations can combine their resources and expertise to overcome the barriers of developing affordable housing in high-cost neighborhoods like Williamsburg.
Unified Neighborhood Partners’ Vision
The project was designed through the collaborative effort of St. Nick’s Alliance, Riseboro Community Partnership, Los Sures, and United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg, all collectively known as the Unified Neighborhood Partners. The collaboration aimed to create housing that reflects and serves Williamsburg’s diverse community.
The Building’s Sustainable Features
Throop Corners incorporates sustainable design features, including rooftop solar panels and an all-electric system, aligning with Passive House standards to enhance energy efficiency.
Riseboro Community Partnership CEO Kieran Harrington referred to the development as “a model for what our city should be” and how it aggregates Orthodox Jewish, Hispanic, and African American families who all face housing affordability challenges. This collaborative approach to inclusive development in Williamsburg sets a great example for future projects in Brooklyn and beyond.
With Throop Corners opening its doors to its residents, it is evidence of what communities can do if organizations come together under a shared vision of developing affordable, sustainable housing for everyone.
