Habitat for Humanity's creation of fifteen low-income homeownership opportunities in the Ocean Hill/Brownsville neighborhood is a great example of our commitment to fostering diverse and affordable communities. This would not have been possible but for Habitat's vision and financial contribution, and the generous provision of funding from the City, the State, and the Brooklyn Borough President. On behalf of my colleagues in city government who are working hard to realize the goals of Mayor de Blasio’s Housing New York plan, I’d like to thank all of our project partners, including those who supplied sweat equity, for their commitment to developing this badly needed affordable housing in Ocean Hill/Brownsville.

Habitat for Humanity is pleased to play an ever increasing role in creating homeownership opportunities. This development is aligned with Mayor de Blasio’s plan to build and preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing and we will continue to do our part in ensuring safe, decent and affordable housing for every New Yorker.

As Brooklyn has ascended to the peak of cultural cache and prestige, it is important that we remember to maintain our borough’s affordability, so that our popularity can translate into prosperity for all of our residents. With these new homes at the Dean Street Residences in Ocean Hill-Brownsville, Habitat for Humanity NYC has created some wonderful opportunities to allow those who built Brooklyn’s present to remain a part of Brooklyn’s future.

Community Board #16 is elated that NYC Habitat for Humanity is breaking ground on a project that will create 15 units of affordable housing and erase a blighting condition that has existed far too long in our community. We are confident that Habitat for Humanity will construct the same quality of housing as it did on two other sites in Community District #16.

Habitat for Humanity gave me back my way of life. They gave me back my home, which in turn gave me back the feeling of security that I had lost. Their assurance of putting my Sandy-damaged house back into living condition finally gave me a feeling of relief that I hadn't had for many months.

Since Superstorm Sandy, Habitat for Humanity New York City has demonstrated its concern for those in need of assistance on Staten Island. Thanks to hundreds of hardworking volunteers, we are expanding that hope by repairing homes in Brooklyn as well.

With home repairs being completed in Coney Island—like this one for Ms. Davis—and other areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy, I think that people can get the message that two years later, our neighborhoods are back in business thanks to the help of groups like Habitat for Humanity.

“Tackling the affordable housing crisis in New York City is not easy. But collaborating with the NFL at this officially sanctioned Super Bowl event inspires us to press forward. New York Jets player Oday Aboushi and volunteers from the South Street Seaport serve as great examples of community building as we work to restore after Superstorm Sandy.”