BROWSVILLE — Gerald Smith had fallen on hard times in his life and had become homeless, sleeping in city shelters, on the subway, on park benches, and anywhere he could rest his weary head for a night. But now he has an apartment to call his own, thanks to Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens (CCBQ). 

Smith is one of the residents of the Gail P. Duke Senior Residence, a new 13-story, 141-unit apartment building in Brownsville sponsored by CCBQ for low-income senior citizens. 

Catholic Charities hosted a ribbon–cutting on Oct. 8 to celebrate its official opening. Helping to cut the ribbon were Bishop Robert Brennan and Duke, a community advocate and a member of the board of trustees of Catholic Charities Progress of Peoples Development Corporation (CCPOP).

Smith, who moved into his apartment on Oct. 1, said he is grateful to have a place to call his own. 

“It was a challenge getting here, but I’m here now. It’s awesome. It’s very hospitable,” he said. “They made me feel welcome from the door. I can say, ‘This is my home. It’s fine.’ I can have peace from where I came from. I’m just happy to be here. 
“I cried when I first got here. I dropped to my knees. And I said, ‘God, I made it.’ ” 

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The residence, a $143.4 million project with all-electric heating, cooling, and hot water systems and solar panels on the roof, is located at 350 Livonia Ave. and was constructed under the auspices of CCPOP — the nonprofit’s affordable housing arm. 

The new residence is part of Catholic Charities’ effort to help alleviate New York City’s housing crisis, said Father Patrick Keating, president and CEO. He noted that when Catholic Charities started accepting applications from prospective residents, the agency was flooded with 42,000 applications for 141 apartments. “There is an affordable housing crisis. We here at Catholic Charities are doing what we can,” he said. 

Construction on the building, which includes 73 studio apartments and 68 one-bedroom units, began in 2024. 

Some residents, such as Smith, have already settled into their apartments, while others are making arrangements to move in. Catholic Charities expects the residence to be fully occupied in 2027. 

In addition to housing, the residence includes a 10,000-square-foot senior center on the first floor that offers hot meals prepared on site, educational programs, fitness classes, and case management services. 

Duke, who said she is honored to have her name on a building serving senior citizens, took part in the residence’s planning.  

“It’s been a roller coaster,” she said. “You’ve seen this stuff on paper. We talk about it, but then you come and see it in real life. It’s awesome.” 

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Richard Walsh recently moved into his studio apartment and said he is impressed by the attention to detail in the construction. 

“My windows are at the same level as the subway,” he said, referring to the elevated tracks of the No. 3 train hovering over Livonia Avenue. “The subway is right there, outside my window, and I don’t hear it. That’s how good they built the windows.” 
Father Keating said the opening of the residence is proof of the agency’s — and the Diocese of Brooklyn’s — commitment to provide housing that allows people to age in place with dignity. 

“We view a home as more than just an apartment building, more than a residence,” he said.

“And the seniors living here, these are the people who have built our city, built our diocese, (are) the backbone of our parishes, and it’s trying to show them the respect that they deserve.” 

Catholic Charities has long committed to providing housing for senior citizens and people in need, officials said. Since 1975, CCPOP has converted vacant lots and buildings into more than 4,500 affordable homes. 

“Catholic Charities has a long tradition … of meeting people where they are,” Bishop Brennan said. “That’s part of who we are as the Church. Standing in solidarity with one another, bringing the hope and the help of Jesus Christ.”