Celebrating a Milestone: Ribbon Cutting at Knox Street Building 2
42 new permanent supportive housing apartments represent another important step toward a stronger, more supportive community in Ogdensburg.
Today was a day of celebration, gratitude, and reflection for S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. as we gathered with community partners and supporters for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Knox Street Building 2 in Ogdensburg.
This milestone represents more than the completion of a building. It represents an investment in people, an opportunity for stability, and a continued commitment to ensuring that individuals who have experienced homelessness have access to a place to call home, along with the support services that can help them live independently in our community.
On October 21, 2026, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced the completion of Knox Street Building 2, a $10.6 million project developed by S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. The project created 42 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness in St. Lawrence County. OTDA's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) provided $9.7 million in funding toward the project.
Additional project funding included a $750,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York's Affordable Home Program and a $147,000 contribution from S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc.
We are deeply grateful for the investment and partnership that helped bring this project to completion. Support from New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul's ongoing commitment to affordable and permanent supportive housing, OTDA, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and our community partners has helped make this important addition to Ogdensburg possible.
As Executive Director Dave Bayne shared in the official announcement:
“We are grateful for Governor Hochul and OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s ongoing support for S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., St. Lawrence County, and the City of Ogdensburg. The completion of Knox Street Building 2 will help us take a significant step toward improving the lives of those in need in our community.”
Housing Is the Foundation. Support Makes a Difference.
Knox Street Building 2 builds upon S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P.'s longstanding commitment to affordable and supportive housing. Located on the same property as Lincoln School Apartments, a former elementary school renovated by our organization to create 20 units of permanent supportive housing, this new building expands the housing opportunities available to individuals in our community.
S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P. has provided affordable and supportive housing since 1997. Throughout that time, our work has been rooted in the understanding that people deserve dignity, opportunity, and the chance to build a life with greater stability and independence.
Permanent supportive housing recognizes that a safe, stable place to live is essential, while also acknowledging that people may benefit from additional support as they navigate daily life and work toward their individual goals.
At Knox Street Building 2, support services provided on site by S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P. and off site by other community agencies include a mental health drop-in center, harm reduction programs, case management, nutritional education, independent living skills, volunteer and vocational opportunities, and assistance with benefit enrollment. Operating funding for the project is provided through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by OTDA.
Together, housing and supportive services help create opportunities for people to remain stably housed and participate more fully in their community.
Community Standing Together
At S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., our mission is reflected in the work we do every day: standing alongside people, recognizing their strengths, and helping create opportunities for greater stability, connection, and independence.
Projects like Knox Street Building 2 remind us that meaningful community change happens through collaboration. It takes public investment, committed partners, dedicated staff, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live and the opportunity to move forward.
Today's ribbon cutting was an opportunity to recognize everyone who contributed to making this project a reality. We extend our sincere thanks to Governor Hochul, OTDA, the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, our community partners, and everyone whose support helped bring this vision to life.
We are proud of what has been accomplished, grateful for the partnerships that made it possible, and mindful of the people at the heart of this work.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to building on this progress and continuing to serve our community with compassion, respect, and purpose.
Because a stronger community begins when we stand together.
Community Standing Together.
Read the Official Announcement
For additional details about the completion of Knox Street Building 2, project funding, and the state's investment in permanent supportive housing, read the original announcement from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA):
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