St. Catherine's celebrates opening of Michael's House

St. Catherine's Center for Children hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 15 to celebrate the opening of Michael's House, Albany's newest supportive housing facility. Located at 543 North Pearl Street, Michael's House is a 20-unit apartment complex that offers secure housing for vulnerable families and adults.

St. Catherine's Executive Director Frank Pindiak welcomed more than 100 friends and neighbors to the grand opening ceremony. Guest speakers included Michael Hein, Commissioner of New York's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), New York Assembly Member John McDonald, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and Albany Count Legislator Wanda Willingham. Mark Eagen, President and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber, served as Master of Ceremonies.

"Soon, Michael's House will be filled with the sounds of children playing, of parents sharing stories, and of strangers starting conversations and becoming friends," Pindiak said in his remarks. "These are the sounds of life and hope. They animate a building, and turn that building into a community."

Michael's House marks the culmination of a lengthy collaboration between St. Catherine's Center for Children and partners at the state and local level. Built on land donated by Albany County, construction of Michael's House was funded through a $5.6 million grant from New York State's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. Donations from friends of St. Catherine's also supported the project.

Supportive housing represents a stable and affordable housing option that combines housing with human services to help people live in dignity and independence. On-site staff who will help tenants connect with vital community support systems and services, including health, employment and workforce development programs, counseling and treatment programs, and childcare services. Classes and other programs that promote health and well-being will also be offered.

St. Catherine's expects tenants to begin moving in to Michael's House in August, when the house is fully staffed.