June 23, 2022  

Syracuse, New York: From Prison to Stability on the Outside

HUD User publishes a series of case studies based on federal, state, and local strategies that increase affordable housing opportunities and support sustainable community development. The projects and community development efforts featured in these reports have demonstrated innovation through a multitude of partnerships and initiatives.

Opened in 2019 in Syracuse, New York, Freedom Commons provides affordable rental units to low-income households and permanent supportive housing units targeting formerly incarcerated individuals. The development also offers the Freedom Commons Academy, a facility that assists recently released individuals reacclimate to life outside of prison. The Academy helps participants develop skills needed to find and maintain housing and employment in a noninstitutional setting and requires residents to complete 35 hours of productive activity weekly. In addition to education, addiction recovery, and employment support, residents can access civic restoration assistance to correct mistakes in criminal records from the Center for Community Alternatives — the service provider for Freedom Commons.

Visit HUD User’s Case Studies page to learn more about affordable housing and to view other innovative community revitalization strategies.

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