Bronx Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reversed the previous administration’s stance on a notable supportive housing initiative. His support for the Just Home project at Jacobi Medical Center aims to provide 83 new apartments for vulnerable populations. At a press conference, Mamdani emphasized the project’s significance, linking it to justice and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Details of the Just Home Supportive Housing Project
The Just Home project plans to transform a vacant hospital building in Morris Park into affordable housing. The development will feature:
- 58 supportive housing units for individuals with complex medical conditions leaving Rikers Island.
- 25 apartments designated for low-income tenants.
The Fortune Society, a nonprofit experienced in supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, will manage the facility. President and CEO Stanley Richards, who has personal ties to Jacobi Medical Center, expressed a strong connection to the project, describing it as a return home.
City Council Approval and Controversy
In September, the City Council formally approved the project. This decision came despite last-minute opposition from former Mayor Eric Adams and Republican councilmember Kristy Marmorato. Notably, the Council vote represented a deviation from the usual practice of “member deference,” in which local lawmakers traditionally support their district’s representatives.
Adams’ administration initially backed Just Home in 2022 but shifted its position before the 2025 election. On the eve of the Council vote, Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro urged a reconsideration of the project, proposing an alternative site in Brooklyn due to local residents’ concerns.
Reactions and Future Implications
Supporters of Just Home, including Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, framed the vote as crucial for expanding housing access in the city. Mamdani’s endorsement reflects a substantial shift in policy from the previous administration, aligning with his campaign goals of decarceration and tenant protection.
Mamdani articulated a vision for expanded housing opportunities, stating, “This is an example of the scale of progress that was being held up for years. We want to build as much as possible across this city.”
Success Stories and Opposition
Just Home is inspired by the Fortune Society’s Castle Gardens project in West Harlem, which combines supportive housing with essential services. This model has demonstrated success in reducing hospitalizations and preventing reincarceration among tenants.
However, the Just Home project faces opposition from those who feel housing formerly incarcerated individuals at Jacobi is unsafe. Marmorato, who opposed the project, lost her seat in 2025 to Democrat Shirley Aldebol, a labor leader who supports Just Home.
As the project moves forward, it will continue to address the complex issues of housing, health, and public safety in the Bronx.
