VIDEO: Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens Opens Senior Affordable Housing in Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE — A new affordable housing building for seniors constructed by Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens officially opened in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Bishop Robert Brennan cut the ribbon at the Gail P. Duke Senior Residence on Livonia Avenue on Oct. 8.
Duke is a longtime board member of Catholic Charities and a key supporter of the organization’s affordable housing efforts.
The 13-story building has 141 apartments built specifically for low-income seniors, including Gerald Smith, who was homeless before moving in.
“Sleeping in the parks, on the trains, for me to be 56 years old, this is the first time in my entire life that I have keys,” Smith said.
“To see a contribution toward dignified housing is a source of great pride,” one supporter said.
“We can be supportive and give back to the community and I’m proud that I’m part of that,” another said.
Bishop Brennan said the residents “are the people who have built our city, built our diocese. They’re the backbone of our parishes. And it’s trying to show them the respect that they deserve.”
The project also includes a 10,000-square-foot older adult center offering hot meals, fitness classes and support services under one roof.