TUCKAHOE, NY – ArchCare, the healthcare system of the Archdiocese of New York, today officially kicked off construction to transform a long-vacant Westchester convent building into private studio apartments that will allow people with autism to live independently in the community, many for the first time in their lives, as part of a small community of peers.
Slated for completion in early 2024, ArchCare’s St. Frances Cabrini Apartments at Immaculate Conception Church in Tuckahoe will help address the critical lack of safe, affordable housing where people with autism can live productive and fulfilling lives in the community as their parents and siblings who have cared for them all their lives age.
This is ArchCare’s second independent housing initiative on behalf of people with autism. The first, known as ArchCare at St. Teresa’s, opened on Staten Island in January 2020 in a renovated convent on the grounds of St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Parish. Today, the building remains home to all 10 of its original tenants, who range in age from 24 to 35 and quickly became part of the fabric of their new neighborhood.
“As the parents of people with autism age, they become increasingly concerned that they will one day reach a point where they are no longer able to care for their sons and daughters at home,” said Scott LaRue, ArchCare’s president and CEO. “They want to know that their children will have a dignified and enriching place to live, somewhere close by where they will be able to live safely and with maximum independence as adults. We are answering that need.”
ArchCare’s St. Frances Cabrini Apartments will consist of 10 fully furnished apartments with individual baths and kitchens, as well as common areas for social activities, dining and recreation. Tenants will rent the apartments from ArchCare through a one-year lease. ArchCare gladly accepts rent subsidy programs that people with autism may qualify for through their Medicaid benefits facilitated through New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The Westchester project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and other contributors.
“The Church is always looking for creative new ways to address unmet needs and help those among us whose needs are too often overlooked,” said Father Anthony Sorgie, pastor of Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Our Lady Parish, during a brief ceremony today at the construction site. “I can’t think of a better way to do that than turning an empty building into beautiful new homes where people with autism can thrive, grow and feel welcome in the community.”
ArchCare assembled a panel of autism advocates, parents, a board-certified behavior analyst, and other experts to guide the project and establish clinical and other guidelines for screening and selecting tenants to ensure that they will be able to live safely with the degree of independence ArchCare’s St. Frances Cabrini Apartments will provide. As part of the application process, family members also must agree to serve on a family advisory council that will work together to address issues that may arise and arrange personal care assistance, housekeeping, transportation, or other services to help their loved ones adapt successfully to life in their new homes.
Applications are available here. An ArchCare representative will contact applicants once the application is processed. Applications postmarked by March 31, 2023, will be included in the initial apartment lottery to be held in April 2023.