Robyn A. Porter

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) Commissioner Evonne M. Klein today announced that nearly $28 million is being awarded to support the development of affordable housing across Connecticut as part of the latest round of funding under the state’s Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties (CHAMP) program. These awards will play a role in helping to create, rehabilitate, or preserve approximately 200 units of affordable housing and focus on expanding access to transit-oriented development, creating new veteran’s housing units, and adding supportive housing for those who are living with disabilities.

The Department of Housing will provide up to $9,247,118 to Hamden Specialty Housing, LLC for the development of two adjacent projects at 415 Mather Street in Hamden. The development will include the construction of a total of 77 new affordable housing units on what is currently a 4.8 acre site on the Dixwell Avenue corridor. Seven of the units will be supportive housing for veterans or other tenants at-risk for homelessness, with services provided by Columbus House of New Haven. An additional 14 units at the development will be set aside for people living with physical and cognitive disabilities and needing support services coordinated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, with a goal of transitioning persons living with MS from nursing facilities to their own home as part of Connecticut’s Money Follows the Person program. This development will be located near transit opportunities, employment centers, shopping, and other services.

This investment in affordable housing is a great commitment to the city of Hamden and Connecticut. These two new affordable housing development projects in Hamden will help our most vulnerable residents, especially veterans and those with physical or cognitive disabilities. Affordable housing is the most effective model in assisting people with high needs and will provide a long-term and sustainable solution to the issue of homelessness. In addition, it will bring tax revenue to the town.