Company Resume

For nearly 40 years, Christopher Community has dedicated itself to meeting the housing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals and families, many of whom are elderly or have disabilities. Christopher Community has developed a variety of safe and affordable housing alternatives from single family to multi-unit buildings across upstate New York. We currently manage nearly 3,000 units in over 104 buildings. In addition, Christopher Community administers the county-wide Section 8 rental assistance program serving over 600 households.

Christopher Community employs a professional staff skilled in all phases of development and management such as governmental reporting, building operations, construction, the provision of social services to residents, accounting, leasing and personnel. Christopher Community works actively and successfully with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Office, New York State Department of Social Services and the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Christopher Community has established successful working relationships with local governments and not-for- profits to develop new projects and provide services for existing residents.

Development

Since the beginning, Christopher Community has coordinated or assisted in developing a multitude of facilities in upstate New York. We use a wide variety of funding sources including HUD 202, Rural Housing Development, low income housing tax credits, NYS funded projects and many local and private sources. Many of these facilities are currently being managed by Christopher Community.

Some of the development activities include:

• Research potential site locations
• Assess market demand
• Identify potential funding sources
• Work with design professionals as well as existing residents to create an attractive building that meets the needs of potential residents and the neighboring community
• Secure project financing and commitments
• Oversee the construction process
• Coordinate the legal and financial aspects of the project

Housing Management

To manage our buildings in a way that best fits our mission and values, Christopher Community uses a resident-centered approach. Emphasis is placed on assuring that residents’ needs are met, financial records are accurate, and the properties are well maintained. Christopher Community’s portfolio includes over 2,400 senior apartments.

Christopher Community has consistently received very high ratings both from government and private entities for our management.

Some of our property management activities include:

• Developing an affirmative marketing plan which is used to generate interest by potential applicants.
• Processing every potential applicant to ensure compliance with all housing regulations.
• Maintaining each property including day-to-day activities and major capital improvements.
• Staffing each facility with an on-site manager and a live-in superintendent.
• Managing all bank accounts and finances for each property. Collecting all rents. Completing all required government and project reports.
• Providing support and training to ensure that on-site staff is up to date on all government directives, policies and procedures.
• Supporting residents in their efforts to develop onsite recreation and program activities. Working with residents and staff to provide human service needs such as access to health care, nutrition programs and transportation.

Rental Assistance

Since 1977, Christopher Community has administered the county-wide rental assistance program for Onondaga County (Section 8 "Existing Housing Program"). Over 600 rent subsidies are dispersed to elderly, disabled and low income families located throughout Onondaga County. In addition to the need for rental assistance, many of these families are in need of social service programs. When necessary, these families are directed to the appropriate agency, or contact is made for them.

Recent Accomplishments

• Near Westside Townhouse I - Completed in July, 2009, Christopher Community created 14 affordable one- and two-unit houses for low-income families in the near Westside neighborhood of Syracuse. The project included the renovation of one historic house and new construction of 13 affordable housing units. Funding was provided by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal and the City of Syracuse.
• Near Westside Townhouse II - The first project was so successful that funding for a Phase II was recently awarded. Phase II of the project will include the development of an additional 20 affordable rental housing units at scattered sites in the near Westside. Construction started in January, 2010.
• O'Brien Road Senior Housing – The facility opened in April 2009. The building has 39 one-bedroom apartments that are all handicap accessible. This project is a partnership with Loretto which runs the PACE CNY program. The program provides all inclusive care for the elderly which allow the residents to stay in place longer than conventional housing.
• Property Refinancing - Christopher Community refinanced the HUD 202 mortgages on four of our senior housing facilities at lower interest rates. The refinance provided equity money for improvements on the properties including, windows, roofs, and other major systems. The money that is saved on the interest each month is put into a debt service savings account and can be drawn from for resident programs and services as well as improvements to the facility that benefit the residents. The annual savings will continue for the duration of the loan. Christopher Community plans to refinance additional properties for this same benefit. Four additional properties are underway for 2010.
• Salina School - Christopher Community recently received a $2.9 million grant from the Division of Housing and Community Renewal to rehabilitate Salina School, a 37-unit facility for persons age 55 and older with low-to-moderate incomes. A number of improvements will be made to the building including a new roof, carpeting, flooring and a new parking lot. Work will start in the spring of 2010.
• Providence House – The building was awarded a $1.5 million Green Retrofit grant from the federal government to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of the residence. The 101-unit senior building is currently an all-electric facility and very expensive to operate.

Executive Staff

Douglas Reicher	President
Cindy Bird	Vice-President – Property Management
David R. Filipski	Vice-President – Finance
Robert Weismore	Director – Rental Assistance Program
Fredrick Zolna	Vice-President – Development