The Christopher

The Christopher provides 207 units of permanent supportive housing for low-income or formerly homeless adults in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. The Christopher also houses the Foyer Program, a housing-based career development program targeting young adults ages 18-24 who are "aging out" of foster care or already homeless. Built originally in 1904, the building was rehabilitated by Common Ground and opened in 2004.

Services that help tenants put their lives back on track and manage their housing, careers and health needs are provided by the Center for Urban Community Services Monday through Saturday and are available to all tenants. Good Shepherd Services provides education, career and other assistance to residents of the Foyer Program which are specifically tailored to the circumstances of young adults preparing for independence. Property management services, including 24-hour security, are provided by Common Ground's affiliated not for profit property management company, Common Ground Management.

In addition, Tenant Services staff offer programs and activities to foster the community life of the building. Over the past year, highlights included financial literacy and tax preparation workshops; nutritional counseling; museum outings, and classes and workshops covering topics such as sculpture and songwriting.

The building, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art security system, features a spacious lobby, a computer laboratory, a fitness center and 24-hour laundry facilities. The Christopher was built with environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo flooring and countertops made from recycled materials, and includes a green roof, which reduces runoff water and carbon emissions and creates energy savings. Rooms are fully furnished and have private baths, ceiling fans and kitchenettes that include glass top ranges.

The Christopher was the recipient of the 2005 Charles L. Edson Affordable Housing Tax Credit Excellence competition, awarded by the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition.