BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — A nearly $10 million grant will allow STEP by STEP Inc. to bring 42 permanent housing units to the former Lincoln School property.

In 2022, the organization completed a $5.2 million apartment project which brought 20 units of supportive housing for adults with mental illness who have experienced homelessness.

Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul announced the $9.7 million grant last week which will create 42 more and include a newly constructed building with a laundry room, common areas, meeting rooms, offices and wi-fi.

Support services will be provided by STEP by STEP, which is a peer-run organization that strives to empower the members of the community “by establishing person-centered relationships, providing advocacy, educational, recovery, and social services, and creating affordable and safe housing opportunities.”

STEP by STEP, Inc. opened its doors on June 1, 1997, and began as a one-room Drop-In-Center with a mission to provide people with mental health issues support as they move back to the larger community, according to Director David Bayne.

Since then the organization has grown substantially. The growth really picked up in 2018 with the acquisition of the former Lincoln School where the organization provides both housing and a warming center.

“While staying true to our grassroots  mission, STEP by STEP, Inc.. has grown from assisting only those discovering and recovering with mental illness, and now aims to improve the mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being of every member of our community,” the organization’s website says.

Bayne said the 42 units will help meet an unmet need in Ogdensburg and St. Lawrence County. It’s no secret that the city’s seen a large increase in displaced and homeless individuals in recent years. The additional housing units could go a long way toward safe alternatives for those looking for permanent housing.

“The need in the area is growing day by day. When we added 20 units that was great now we’ll be adding 42 more. It’s not going to solve the problem overnight  but it’s going to go a long way to help,” he said.

Bayne said the project offers direct access to essential support services for vulnerable residents in St. Lawrence County who are experiencing homelessness by providing safe, affordable housing.

 “We are grateful for OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and the state’s steadfast commitment to expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing for vulnerable New Yorkers, and STEP by STEP is honored to be the awardee of this contract for St. Lawrence County.”

The grants were awarded through a competitive process by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance (HHAP) Program and are part of Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan aimed at preserving and creating 100,000 affordable homes across the state, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.

“Creating new permanent supportive housing is central to my administration’s work to reduce homelessness across New York State, while simultaneously supporting strong neighborhoods throughout our state,” Hochul said in a prepared statement.

“When completed, these projects will provide vulnerable New Yorkers with an affordable place to call home and the security and services they need to live safely and successfully in their communities.”