Preserving Homes, Strengthening Communities: Nazareth Housing Hosts Launch of NYC Supportive Housing Preservation Program

Supportive housing does more than provide a roof overhead, it creates stability, dignity, and opportunity for New Yorkers facing some of life’s greatest challenges.

We were honored to host the launch of New York City’s new Supportive Housing Preservation Program at Park Avenue Thorpe, where Nazareth Housing Executive Director Rachel Levine joined city leaders to highlight the importance of preserving existing supportive housing across the five boroughs. This new initiative will help preserve nearly 39,000 supportive housing units citywide, ensuring that residents continue to have access to safe, affordable homes and the services they need to thrive.

For Park Avenue Thorpe, the program will provide critical investments to address structural needs, improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and preserve high-quality housing for generations to come. “Over the decades, hundreds of families have called Park Avenue Thorpe home. For many, this has been their first experience of stable housing after years of uncertainty,” said Nazareth Housing Executive Director Rachel Levine at the conference.

The impact of supportive housing is best reflected in the experiences of those who call it home. As Laneeka, Park Avenue Thorpe resident, shared:

“When I first got the keys to my apartment, all I can remember is how grateful I felt. I finally had a home all to myself and could give myself and my son a better future. When I moved in, they provided me food from the pantry and even gave me cleaning supplies. This was the moment that I finally felt at home and, most importantly, at peace.”

“This innovative initiative recognizes that preserving supportive housing is just as important as creating new housing,” said Rachel. “New York City cannot solve its housing crisis without protecting the homes that already provide stability, affordability, and critical supportive services to vulnerable New Yorkers. Through the Supportive Preservation Program, Park Avenue Thorpe will be able to undergo substantial rehabilitation to address critical structural needs, improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and ensure that this building remains a high-quality home for generations to come. Just as importantly, these investments will allow Nazareth Housing to focus our resources where they matter most — supporting the families and individuals we serve.”

At Nazareth Housing, our mission is to help individuals and families achieve housing stability and long-term self-sufficiency. Preserving supportive housing means preserving opportunity, strengthening communities, and ensuring more New Yorkers have a place to call home.

Watch the press conference here.

View photos from the press conference here.

Read Nazareth Housing Executive Director Rachel Levine’s full statement here.

Media Coverage of the press conference includes: