Who We Are
At the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH), our mission isn’t just a statement, but a way of life. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been providing safe, affordable housing that integrates compassionate property management with supportive services, enhancing the independence and dignity of each resident. Our vision is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and respect, driving us to continuously improve and innovate in our pursuit of high quality services for seniors.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
The mission of WSFSSH is to provide safe and affordable senior housing that integrates compassionate property management with supportive services to enhance the independence and dignity of each resident. WSFSSH creates and preserves affordable housing while supporting the development of healthy neighborhoods.
Vision
WSFSSH envisions a world where all older adults are guaranteed access to a supportive housing community where they are empowered to live full and joyful lives in a place they call home. We are committed to creating innovative, sustainable communities where residents thrive, and where culturally responsive services allow older adults to age in place. We are steadfast in our commitment to reducing senior homelessness in New York and seek to be a model that inspires others.
Values
We believe that our staff are the driving force behind WSFSSH’s success. As such, we are committed to fostering a workplace where employees are valued, appreciated and supported, and are seen as essential members of the communities that we create together.
We are deeply committed to rooting for everything we do through the principles of equity and inclusion, building policies, systems and practices that are accessible, transparent, and fair, ensuring that our efforts in creating a thriving workplace isn’t just symbolic but truly sustained.
We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and empathy, regardless of their identity, their history, or the journey that brings them to WSFSSH.
We are invested in continually learning and innovating to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve. We create opportunities for our employees to learn and develop new skills, strengthening how we work together in delivering extraordinary housing solutions for older adults.
Our commitment to these values requires us to be responsible and accountable for ensuring that these values guide our individual behavior, and how we operate as a community.
WSFSSH aspires to do more than just provide a roof over people’s heads.; we also strive to be a place that fosters joy and fulfillment for our staff, clients, and the larger community we serve.
Founding of WSFSSH
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.
1976
Our First Building
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.
1979
Red Oak Apartments
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.
1980
Our First Older Adult Center
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.
1982
Our First Congregate Care Building
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.
1985
First Privately Owned SRO in NYC
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.
1987
Our First Shelter
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.
1988
Supporting the HIV/AIDS Community at the Ben Michalski Residence
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.
1997
Our Entry Into The Bronx
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.
2003
Extending Our Impact to Harlem
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.
2006
FQHC Partnerships Begin
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.
2018
Building
Enhancing
Supporting
Thriving
At WSFSSH, we understand the unique needs of seniors and are committed to meeting them with unwavering dedication. We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to promote well-being and independence. Our integrated approach sets us apart, as we serve as owner, manager, and service provider in all our housing buildings, ensuring a seamless and holistic experience for our residents.
WSFSSH is more than a housing provider; we are a community of caregivers, advocates, and champions for seniors’ rights and well-being. Join us in our mission to empower seniors and enrich communities, one resident at a time.
