Supportive housing provides affordable housing with on-site services for persons with special needs. Residents often include formerly homeless individuals or families, persons with mental illness or developmental disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, victims of domestic violence, and children aging out of foster care. Pairing stable, affordable housing with supportive services enables these individuals and families in need to lead more productive lives.
Our attorneys and advisors are deeply invested in the creation of this vitally needed housing. We’re committed to helping ensure our clients can successfully close on financing to build these developments. We understand the complexities of supportive housing transactions. We have deep experience structuring the financing for these projects, which often requires layering of multiple funding sources—including more conventional sources of affordable housing funding like real estate tax exemptions, LIHTC, and tax exempt bonds—and sources of funding for services and reconciling the competing regulatory requirements.
We work closely with the agencies that provide access to housing capital and social services funding, including:
This includes programs such as HUD’s Section 202 and 811 programs, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), HCR’s Supportive Housing Opportunity Program (SHOP), New York City’s Supportive Housing Loan program and 15/15 rental assistance.
As one of the few national firms with a dedicated supportive housing practice, we leverage our firmwide resources and cross-industry knowledge in environmental, construction, tax, and more to help our clients navigate the specific legal issues that can arise in these complicated transactions.
We work with some of the largest supportive housing providers in the nation. We represent not-for-profits as well as for-profits in supportive housing joint ventures and partnerships. Some not-for-profit organizations can both provide the services and undertake development of the housing on their own; some prefer to only do service provision and partner with a for-profit developer to access the housing capital funding and oversee the construction of the housing. There are myriad ways to structure these partnerships, and we know how to create the agreements that benefit all parties’ interests.
Crain’s New York | December 21, 2020
Cooperatives & Condominiums team leader and New York City partner Erica Buckley is featured in this article for being named one of the city’s “Notable Women in Law“ for the third year in a row.
Real Estate Weekly | December 16, 2020
The firm was mentioned in this article on the FHA Section 223(f) refinancing loan for Israel Senior Citizen Housing I and II, an apartment complex for the elderly in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, NY. Washington, D.C. partner Susanna Mitchell and New York City strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, both in the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group, advised JASA Corporation in the deal.
New York Law Journal | December 11, 2020
In the latest installment of her “Ask the Former Regulator“ column, New York City Affordable Housing and Real Estate partner Erica Buckley discusses whether a housing development fund company that operates as a housing cooperative can go private and what factors shareholders need to consider.
Affordable Housing Finance | December 02, 2020
This article on the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing mentions the firm for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.
Multi-Housing News | November 24, 2020
The following articles highlight the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.
Bisnow | November 24, 2020
This article on the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing mentions the firm for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.
New Hampshire Union Leader | November 23, 2020
Manchester Corporate partner Phil Taub wrote this op-ed about the many things for which he’s thankful this year, from our country’s active service members and veterans to those giving back to their local communities. Of note, Phil’s nonprofit, Swim With A Mission, was chosen to distribute over $4 million to veteran service organizations dedicated to helping veterans struggling with homelessness and mental health issues.
Brooklyn Daily Eagle | November 23, 2020
The following article highlights the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.
Real Estate Weekly | November 23, 2020
The following article highlights the conversion of 90 Sands St.—a well-known building in New York City and former Jehovah Witnesses’ hotel—into affordable and supportive housing. The firm was mentioned for the work by New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch, strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, and associate Julia Casteleiro in representing Breaking Ground, New York’s largest supportive housing developer.
Multi-Housing News | November 03, 2020
The following article covers client Avanath Capital Management’s acquisition of a 207-unit apartment community in Boston, a complex transaction that will preserve Morton Village as an affordable housing property for many years to come. The stories mention NP for the firm’s work as legal counsel and name members of the deal team, New York City partner Tatiana Gutierrez, Boston partners Jeff Sacks and Ruth Silman, and associate Ali Walendziak, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
Yield PRO | November 02, 2020
The following article covers client Avanath Capital Management’s acquisition of a 207-unit apartment community in Boston, a complex transaction that will preserve Morton Village as an affordable housing property for many years to come. The stories mention NP for the firm’s work as legal counsel and name members of the deal team, New York City partner Tatiana Gutierrez, Boston partners Jeff Sacks and Ruth Silman, and associate Ali Walendziak, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
Affordable Housing Finance | October 21, 2020
This article mentions the firm for representing Hudson Valley Property Group LLC in its partnership with Nuveen Investments for the purchase of a 412-unit affordable apartment portfolio in Jersey City. The deal team included New York partner Aaron Yowell and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, Boston partner Chris Froeb, and Washington, D.C. partner Susanna Mitchell, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
Seniors Housing Business | October 06, 2020
The following article cover NP’s role in securing financing deals for client Wollaston Lutheran Housing, allowing the affordable-housing provider to substantially upgrade two properties in Quincy, MA. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jeff Sacks led the deal team, which also included Boston associates Ali Walendziak and Alexander Rosso, and Washington, DC counsel Anthony Ruvolo, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
REBusinessOnline | October 05, 2020
The following article cover NP’s role in securing financing deals for client Wollaston Lutheran Housing, allowing the affordable-housing provider to substantially upgrade two properties in Quincy, MA. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jeff Sacks led the deal team, which also included Boston associates Ali Walendziak and Alexander Rosso, and Washington, DC counsel Anthony Ruvolo, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
Connect Media CRE | October 05, 2020
The following article cover NP’s role in securing financing deals for client Wollaston Lutheran Housing, allowing the affordable-housing provider to substantially upgrade two properties in Quincy, MA. Boston Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jeff Sacks led the deal team, which also included Boston associates Ali Walendziak and Alexander Rosso, and Washington, DC counsel Anthony Ruvolo, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
WRCN 103.9 FM Long Island Radio | October 04, 2020
Cooperatives & Condominiums practice team leader and New York Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Erica Buckley was featured in this radio segment focusing on the Martin Act (one of the most exhaustive securities laws in the country), New York State filings and compliance, and investigation and enforcement by the New York Attorney General.
Real Estate Weekly | September 28, 2020
This article on the ground-breaking of Bishop Valero Residence, an affordable housing development for low-income seniors and formerly homeless adults, quotes New York Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Joe Lynch for leading the team that advised Catholic Charities Progress of Peoples Development Corporation. The deal team also included Rochester Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Darren Miller and associate Matt Carrigg.
Multi-Housing News | August 06, 2020
This article on Fort Schuyler House, a 138-unit affordable senior housing community in the Bronx, mentions NP for the work of New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Joe Lynch and Meghan Altidor, and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen representing the developer in the deal.
Affordable Housing Finance | July 28, 2020
This article on the $224 million in supplemental payments that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is making available to owners of properties receiving project-based rental assistance links to New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Kathie Soroka and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen’s client alert on the topic.
Senior Housing News | July 22, 2020
Nixon Peabody client Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL) was included in this roundup of notable deals for closing on the financing of two Boston-area properties that will help the organization with its post-pandemic future. Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner Jeff Sacks, and associates Ali Walendziak and Alexander Rosso were mentioned for representing HSL in the Randolph financing. Jeff Sacks and Affordable Housing & Real Estate associate Julie Hancock Stande were noted for representing HSL in the Brookline transaction. All the attorneys are based in Boston.
Affordable Housing Finance | June 23, 2020
In this article detailing progress and challenges that housing programs face in their fight against homelessness, New York City Affordable Housing & Real Estate strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen provides her perspective on why affordability remains one of the biggest challenges.
Chicago Tribune | April 01, 2020
In this front-page article in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Affordable Housing and Real Estate partner David Allswang provided comments that commercial landlords are bracing for a significant drop in rent payments in April amid the coronavirus crisis, citing anecdotal data from commercial property owners in London.
Affordable Housing Finance | March 31, 2020
Washington, D.C. Affordable Housing and Real Estate partner Richard Price shares his perspective on the early impact of COVID-19 on the affordable housing industry, including how the federal government should respond.
Habitat | March 26, 2020
New York City Affordable Housing and Real Estate partner Erica Buckley and counsel Ruben Ravago co-wrote this contributed article, based on their NP client alert, about the key issues condo boards and co-ops must consider before enlisting the assistance of volunteers during a pandemic.
Multi-Housing News | December 19, 2019
This article about the opening of Stonewall House in Brooklyn—New York State’s first LGBT-friendly affordable elder housing—mentions Nixon Peabody for advising BFC Partners on the development.
Long Island Business News | November 21, 2019
This story highlights Nixon Peabody’s work on a deal to open a 135-unit supportive and affordable housing development for homeless veterans and low-income families in Brooklyn. Partner Aaron Yowell, partner-elect Dana Roper, and strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, all of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Group in New York City, were part of the deal team. Aaron is quoted in the article.
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly | August 22, 2019
Boston Affordable Housing and Real Estate partner Jeff Sacks wrote this contributed article analyzing a ruling by the Appellate Tax Board on the proper method of determining real estate taxes for senior living facilities that use an entry fee model. Boston law clerk Thomas Jackson contributed to the article.
Long Island Business News | March 18, 2019
New York Affordable Housing partner and Chief Innovation Officer Aaron Yowell is quoted in this article, discussing the groundbreaking of Concern for Independent Living’s $25 million, 77-unit affordable housing development in Port Jefferson Station.
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Phone: 212-940-3054
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