OGDENSBURG – Officials gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate the completion of a 42-unit housing project on Knox Street that will assist individuals in St. Lawrence County who have experienced homelessness.

On Oct. 21, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) officially recognized the permanent supportive housing facility, 1515 Knox Street.

Developed by Standing Together Effectively for People by Standing Together Effectively for People, Inc. (STEP by STEP, Inc.), the $10.6 million project received $9.7 million from OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP).

“We are grateful for Governor Hochul and OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s ongoing support for STEP by STEP, St. Lawrence County, and the City of Ogdensburg,” said David Bayne, STEP by STEP executive director. “The completion of Knox Street Building 2 will help us take a significant step toward improving the lives of those in need in our community.”

STEP by STEP, Inc., is a nonprofit organization based in Ogdensburg that has provided affordable and supportive housing since 1997. The three-story Knox Street Building 2 is located on the same property as Lincoln School Apartments, a former elementary school renovated by STEP by STEP that created 20 units of permanent supportive housing, a project also funded by HHAP.

Additional funding for Knox Street Building 2 includes a $750,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s Affordable Home Program and a $147,000 contribution from STEP by STEP.

Operating funding for the project is being provided through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by OTDA.

Support services at Knox Street Building 2—provided on site by STEP by STEP and off site by other community agencies—include a mental health drop-in center, harm reduction programs, case management, as well as assistance focused on nutritional education, independent living skills, volunteer and vocational opportunities, and benefit enrollment.