New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas announced on Apr. 15 that affordable homeownership opportunities are increasing in Central New York as Syracuse Habitat for Humanity begins a $1.5 million project in the Madison County village of Canastota. The initiative will see the construction of four new single-family homes on Rosewood Circle, supported by $1 million from HCR’s HOME Homebuyer Development program and contributions from future homeowners and volunteers.
The expansion aims to address the need for affordable housing in the region, aligning with Governor Hochul’s five-year Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide. According to Visnauskas, “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 planned ranch-style houses will each feature four bedrooms and two bathrooms, situated on vacant land within an established neighborhood of single-family homes. Canastota’s location between Syracuse and Utica offers convenient access for first-time buyers and growing families. Eligible households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income can apply now through Syracuse Habitat for Humanity’s website; buyers must also qualify for a third-party mortgage.
Applicants are required by Syracuse Habitat’s mission to contribute at least 300 hours of sweat equity into their homes, which includes classes preparing them for ownership responsibilities. Sarah D. Bruce, Executive Director of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity, 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… enabling us to expand our capacity to build homes, communities, and hope.”
The project receives additional support from more than $300,000 provided by Syracuse Habitat’s Fund for Humanity. The HOME Homebuyer Development Program supports nonprofit developers constructing or rehabilitating up to four affordable single-family homes per site using federal funds administered by HCR’s Office of Community Renewal.
Senator Chuck Schumer said he is proud that federal HOME funding is helping construct these starter homes: “I will continue fighting to ensure that families across New York can achieve the American Dream… I applaud Governor Hochul’s work on increasing access…” Representative John W. Mannion called it “exactly the kind of investment we need,” while local officials including Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone expressed gratitude toward all involved parties.
Town Supervisor Meghan Samsel said this development “will provide quality, affordable housing” while Village Mayor Rosanne Warner welcomed both future residents and ongoing efforts: “We wish the Syracuse Habitat for Humanity the best of luck…and we look forward to welcoming new residents.”
