Governor Hochul Announces $6.2 Million for Healthcare and Community Facility Improvements in Brooklyn

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $6.2 million in state funding to support healthcare and community facility improvements in Brooklyn, including $4.2 million for StartCare and $2 million for the New York City Housing Authority's Breukelen Houses Community Center. Governor Hochul announced the investments alongside state Senator Roxanne J. Persaud during a community event in Canarsie.

"Strong communities depend on having quality healthcare and welcoming spaces where families can access the services and support they need," Governor Hochul said. "These investments will help StartCare expand critical health services for Brooklyn residents and strengthen the Breukelen Houses Community Center for the families who rely on it."

Governor Hochul joined Senator Persaud at her Free Funday and Back to School Giveaway at Canarsie Park, where she helped distribute school supplies to local families ahead of the new school year. Following the giveaway, the Governor and Senator Persaud joined representatives from StartCare and Breukelen Houses to announce the two investments.

The $6.2 million in support, which the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will administer, will support renovations and improvements at both facilities.

StartCare will receive $4.2 million to renovate its existing facility and expand primary care and behavioral health services. The project will add on-site EKG and laboratory testing and provide additional space for vocational training and community workshops.

The New York City Housing Authority will receive $2 million to support renovations and improvements to the community center at Breukelen Houses.

State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, "I am sincerely grateful to Governor Hochul for her partnership in delivering $6.2 million in capital funding to Senate District 19 for StartCare, Inc., and the Breukelen Houses Community Center. The Governor's Office has been receptive since day one of my advocating for these much-needed projects. As a result, both StartCare and the Breukelen Houses Community Center will have significantly improved facilities to deliver essential programs and services to my constituents. Thank you, Governor Hochul."

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "These investments will help two important Brooklyn institutions expand the services and spaces they provide to their communities. DASNY is proud to support Governor Hochul's continued investment in facilities that provide healthcare, services and opportunities to New Yorkers where they live."

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, "Governor Hochul has made it a priority to support the full system of healthcare across New York State, including making improvements to behavioral health services. Investments like this are vital in supporting communities, and ensuring that individuals have access to comprehensive help and services they need to support their overall health."

StartCare CEO Jonnel Doris said, "StartCare approaches this work with a focus on the whole person. This investment will help us address the wider range of substance use, mental health, and social needs in East New York; that is, a focus on prevention, harm reduction, the social determinants of health, and wellness services, more broadly. Governor Hochul's generous investment will afford StartCare the opportunity to continue providing and expanding life-changing and saving care for the East New York community, in a person-centered, comfortable, and dignified environment for decades to come."

New York City Housing Authority CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt said, "Every NYCHA community deserves welcoming, well-maintained spaces where residents can come together, access resources and build stronger connections with their neighbors. This $2 million investment in the Breukelen Houses Community Center will help create a more modern and supportive space for residents and we are grateful to Governor Hochul and Senator Persaud for their partnership and commitment to NYCHA families. This investment is an important step toward ensuring residents have a dignified community space that reflects the vibrant community spirit at Breukelen Houses."