Join us in supporting New York’s older adults.

West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing was formed in 1976 by a coalition of social service agencies, religious institutions, and community organizations. Together they worked to create a new form of housing – one that would meet the diverse needs of older people and persons living with disability.

Our journey started with The Marseilles, a luxury hotel turned dilapidated by the ’70s. WSFSSH transformed it, creating 134 affordable apartments for seniors and the disabled, marking our commitment to revitalizing neglected spaces into vibrant communities, shaping decades of compassionate service and support.

The Red Oak Apartments opened in 1980, on a site that once held a nursing home owned by the Little Sisters of the Poor. Renamed for a majestic tree on-site, it now offers 230 affordable units for low-income seniors and the disabled, symbolizing our dedication to providing compassionate support to vulnerable communities.

The Center at the Red Oak, located at 135 West 106th Street, provides vital services and activities for seniors in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood Funded by the NYC Department for the Aging, it also serves as a cooling center facility during heat emergencies.

In 1985, WSFSSH expanded its services to congregate care facilities for seniors with the opening of 74th Street Residence. This crucial addition broadened our ability to provide comprehensive support to a diverse senior population.

In 1987, WSFSSH acquired The Westbourne, NYC’s first privately owned SRO for non-profits. City-funded, it now houses 128 tenants in single rooms, offering shared kitchens and baths. It stands as a testament to WSFSSH’s commitment to providing permanent housing for homeless individuals.

In response to the 1980s homelessness crisis, Valley Lodge shelter was rapidly established by Betsy Wallace and former Executive Director Laura Jervis. Local leader Leah Schneider identified two tenements on 108th Street for its creation and has since offered transitional housing, meals, social services, and medical care to seniors.

In July 1997, WSFSSH opened Ben Michalski Residence, honoring gay political activist Ben Michalski from Upper West Side. The building offers specialized programs to support individuals living with HIV/AID, reflecting Michalski’s commitment to progressive causes.

Grandparent Family Apartments, a collaboration between Presbyterian Senior Services, WSFSSH, and NYCHA, opened on May 25, 2005, to provides a supportive environment for families in need. Offering essential amenities and child programs, this Bronx building fosters an intergenerational community, supporting 50 families of elders raising grandchildren.

WSFSSH extended its impact to Harlem through the Small Buildings Portfolio initiative. Among them was the Revella, which reopened with 19 studio apartments for formerly homeless older adults. The West 120’s Cluster followed with the renovation of five brownstones into 37 studio apartments for diverse income groups.

In 2018, WSFSSH embarked on a collaboration with United Health to establish Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) within select WSFSSH buildings. These centers offer low-cost or free health services not only to our residents but also to the surrounding community. This partnership reflects our commitment to holistic well-being, ensuring access to vital healthcare resources for all.