A University Heights building that once served as an emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors has reopened as Lily House — now offering 30 affordable apartments dedicated to housing the same vulnerable population.
The shelter closed in 2020, leaving the building vacant until it underwent an $8.7 million renovation led by the nonprofit New Destiny Housing Corporation. The project was made possible through a combination of state, city, and private funding. On May 28, about two dozen people who helped bring the redevelopment to life gathered in Lily House’s spacious backyard for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its reopening.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of family homelessness in the city, and the housing shortage often leaves them stuck in shelters or even forced to continue living with an abuser because they can’t find other housing, according to New Destiny.
CEO Nicole Branca said the reopening had been a long time coming, as the project closed on financing during the height of the pandemic—and was delayed by project management staffing shortages and supply chain disruptions.
But all agreed that the effort was worthwhile.
Paula Sarro, secretary of New Destiny’s board of directors, called Lily House “a profoundly special project.”
“It’s gone from a temporary refuge to a permanent haven,” Sarro said.
Lily House provides not only apartments but also on-site services related to housing, personal finances, education, employment, case management, transportation, and more.
“This is really where the healing happens,” said Kelli Owens, executive director of the state Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
At the ribbon-cutting, the group heard from a Lily House resident who is now experiencing that healing after living with her toddler-age daughter at three different shelters.
“I prayed to God that we would find a safe place, where we would not depend on anyone else,” she said in Spanish, via an English translator.
The resident said that her new home offers support of all kinds, activities for her and her daughter and, most importantly, “peace and tranquility.”
“As the name suggests, New Destiny has been a new beginning for me. A new life full of hope,” she said. “My daughter and I feel blessed for being in the right place when we needed it most.”
The city has a 24-hour hotline for people experiencing domestic abuse, which can help connect to housing resources. The number is 1-800-621-HOPE.
Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
