New York State Homes and Community Renewal Announces Affordable H...

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced that affordable homeownership is expanding in Central New York as Syracuse Habitat for Humanity begins work on a $1.5 project in the Madison County village of Canastota. Syracuse Habitat will construct four new single-family affordable homes on Rosewood Circle with the help of $1 million from HCR's HOME Homebuyer Development program, as well as the sweat equity of the future homeowners and volunteers. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, HCR has created or preserved more than 300 affordable homeownership opportunities in Central New York. Rosewood Circle continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "These new Habitat for Humanity homes will bring the dream of homeownership to life and build stability for four families. We're proud to invest $1 million and to partner with Syracuse Habitat for Humanity to increase affordable homeownership in Central New York and create communities that people can be proud to call home."

The four houses will be ranch-style, with four bedrooms and two bathrooms each. They are located on vacant land in an already-established neighborhood that is full of single-family homes and will be designed to match the existing architectural style and fabric of the community. Canastota is conveniently located between Syracuse and Utica and is close to the thruway, making it an ideal area for first-time homebuyers and households with growing families.

Homebuyers can apply to purchase these homes now at the Syracuse Habitat for Humanity website application page. Homes will be sold to eligible households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median income and must qualify for a third-party mortgage.

As a part of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity's mission, applicants must be willing and able to invest at least 300 hours of "Sweat Equity" in their homes. This further cements their connection to their homes and their new neighborhood, helping to build community. In addition, homebuyers will take classes and do other work to prepare to be a homeowner.

Syracuse Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Sarah D. Bruce said, "Syracuse Habitat for Humanity's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live, and I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to build four new affordable housing opportunities in Madison County. Thanks to the HOME Homebuyer Development Grant through HCR, Syracuse Habitat for Humanity will build four houses simultaneously for the first time in many years, enabling us to expand our capacity to build homes, communities, and hope."

The project is supported by $1 million from HCR's HOME Homebuyer Development Program and more than $300,000 from Syracuse Habitat for Humanity's Fund for Humanity.

HCR's HOME Homebuyer Development Program supports non-profit housing developers to substantially rehabilitate or newly construct up to four affordable single-family homes to be sold to qualified low-income homebuyers. This Program is funded through the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program, administered by HCR's Office of Community Renewal.

The program opened in 2024 as part of an open funding round that made $10 million in HOME funds available to non-profit developers. To date, $7 million has been awarded for 32 affordable homes.

This program complements HCR's work to advance affordable homeownership, including its MOVE-IN NY program that invests in factory-built homes, Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program, Manufactured Home Advantage Program, and State of New York Mortgage Agency's suite of homebuyer mortgage programs.

Senator Chuck Schumer said, "Every family in Madison County deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I have long fought to boost the federal HOME program to provide safe, quality housing for families and am proud that it has delivered federal funding to build new single-family starter homes at Rosewood Circle in Canastota. I will continue fighting to ensure that families across New York can achieve the American Dream and own a home. I applaud Governor Hochul's work on increasing access to home ownership for Central New Yorkers, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to build more affordable housing across New York."

Representative John W. Mannion said, "The Rosewood Circle project in Canastota is exactly the kind of investment we need to make homeownership possible for more New Yorkers. This practical, community-driven approach leverages federal resources to support Governor Kathy Hochul's housing initiatives and the outstanding work of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity to create real opportunities for working families. These new homes will provide a foundation for stability and upward mobility for families in Madison County, and I encourage all qualified homebuyers to apply."

Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone said, "The Rosewood Circle Housing initiative will expand affordable homeownership opportunities and strengthen neighborhoods across the county. Thank you to all of the parties who have been involved." 

Town of Lenox Supervisor Meghan Samsel said, "The Town of Lenox is grateful for the partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal and Syracuse Habitat for Humanity in bringing the Rosewood Circle project to life. This development will provide quality, affordable housing and expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers in our community. We're proud to support efforts that help more families put down roots here."

Village of Canastota Mayor Rosanne Warner said, "On behalf of the Village of Canastota residents, I am happy to welcome the Syracuse Habitat for Humanity to our community. In a day and age when affordable housing is in short supply and high demand, we are very proud that our village was chosen for this special project. The opportunity for citizens to purchase quality homes becomes harder and harder with each passing year and the addition of these newly constructed homes into the housing stock here in Canastota goes a long way to help fill the demand for housing in the Central New York region. We wish the Syracuse Habitat for Humanity the best of luck in seeing their projects to completion and we look forward to welcoming new residents to our community."

Photo Credit to Syracuse Habitat for Humanity