Governor Hochul announces $6.2 million in state funding for healthcare and community facility improvements across Brooklyn

Albany, New York – New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced $6.2 million in state funding for healthcare and community facility improvements in Brooklyn, with the money supporting two projects intended to strengthen services and spaces available to local residents.

The funding includes $4.2 million for StartCare and another $2 million for the New York City Housing Authority’s Breukelen Houses Community Center. Hochul announced the investments alongside state Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud during a community event in Canarsie.

The announcement came as Brooklyn families prepared for the upcoming school year. Hochul joined Persaud at her Free Funday and Back to School Giveaway at Canarsie Park, where the governor helped distribute school supplies to local families. After the giveaway, Hochul and Persaud met with representatives from StartCare and Breukelen Houses to highlight the two state-funded projects.

“Strong communities depend on having quality healthcare and welcoming spaces where families can access the services and support they need,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will help StartCare expand critical health services for Brooklyn residents and strengthen the Breukelen Houses Community Center for the families who rely on it.”

Read also: Governor Hochul announces ratification of five-year labor agreement covering tens of thousands of New York State employees

The $6.2 million in funding will be administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, commonly known as DASNY. The money will be used for renovations and improvements at both facilities.

For StartCare, the largest portion of the funding will go toward improvements to its existing facility. The organization will receive $4.2 million to renovate the site and expand its primary care and behavioral health services.

The project will also add on-site EKG and laboratory testing capabilities. Those additions are expected to give patients access to more services at the facility rather than requiring them to seek certain testing elsewhere.

The planned improvements will not be limited to healthcare services. StartCare will also gain additional space for vocational training and community workshops, expanding the types of programs that can be offered at the facility.

StartCare CEO Jonnel Doris said the organization views healthcare in broader terms, with attention not only to medical needs but also to mental health, substance use and other challenges that can affect a person’s overall well-being.

“StartCare approaches this work with a focus on the whole person. This investment will help us address the wider range of substance use, mental health, and social needs in East New York; that is, a focus on prevention, harm reduction, the social determinants of health, and wellness services, more broadly. Governor Hochul’s generous investment will afford StartCare the opportunity to continue providing and expanding life-changing and saving care for the East New York community, in a person-centered, comfortable, and dignified environment for decades to come.”

The second project will benefit residents of Breukelen Houses. NYCHA will receive $2 million to renovate and improve the community center serving the housing development.

Read also: New York State Police investigate fatal motorcycle crash in the town of Ohio that leaves 21-year-old rider dead

Community centers can play an important role in public housing developments, providing residents with places to access programs, meet neighbors and take part in activities. The state said the investment will support improvements to the existing facility and help create a more modern space for residents.

New York City Housing Authority CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt said the project would help provide residents with a better place to gather and access resources.

“Every NYCHA community deserves welcoming, well-maintained spaces where residents can come together, access resources and build stronger connections with their neighbors. This $2 million investment in the Breukelen Houses Community Center will help create a more modern and supportive space for residents and we are grateful to Governor Hochul and Senator Persaud for their partnership and commitment to NYCHA families. This investment is an important step toward ensuring residents have a dignified community space that reflects the vibrant community spirit at Breukelen Houses.”

Persaud credited the governor’s office for supporting the projects and said the improvements would strengthen facilities serving people in her Senate district.

“I am sincerely grateful to Governor Hochul for her partnership in delivering $6.2 million in capital funding to Senate District 19 for StartCare, Inc., and the Breukelen Houses Community Center. The Governor’s Office has been receptive since day one of my advocating for these much-needed projects. “