Congressman Dan Goldman Presents $1.7 Million Grant Award to Hamilton-Madison House

 

 

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today presented Hamilton-Madison House with a $1,713,000 Community Project Funding Grant Award, which was included in the final passage of HR 4366, ‘The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.’ Goldman secured $9,036,948 for community projects in NY-10 in the FY 2024 appropriations process.

 

The grant funding will be used to renovate and re-open Hamilton-Madison House’s Childcare and Family Support Center at NYCHA Smith Houses, which has been closed due to the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The necessary renovations would include a wall replacement, floor and ceiling repair, painting, and HVAC and electrical upgrades.

 

“I am incredibly proud to present Hamilton-Madison House with the nearly $2 Million they need to finally repair the damage left behind by Superstorm Sandy more than a decade ago and bring back this historic and invaluable institution,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Hamilton-Madison House’s work to provide our children and families with the services and resources they need to succeed is vital to our Lower East Side community. I am glad that this grant funding will help them continue that work.”

 

Isabel Ching, Executive Director of Hamilton-Madison House said, “This allocation of Community Project Funding is a testament to Hamilton-Madison House's enduring commitment to serving the community, even in the face of natural disasters like Superstorm Sandy. This $1,713,000 in funding is the largest grant ever received by Hamilton-Madison House in its 126-year history. This funding is not just a financial contribution, but a beacon of hope for our community, promising the revival of a vital daycare center that provides essential childcare services. The renovation of this center signifies more than just construction; it represents the restoration of peace of mind for parents and a safe haven for children. We are grateful for Congressman Goldman and his advocacy for this funding over the past year. His role in this process reflects the deep appreciation for his commitment to serving and uplifting the community.”

 

Aixa Torres, Smith Houses Tenant President said, “On behalf of the residents at Alfred Smith Houses, we are so happy that finally, our community center run by Hamilton-Madison Houses is going to be in ADA compliance. Our population of seniors has grown in the last 10 years, and we thank Congressman Goldman for this.”

 

The re-opened childcare center will be able to provide childcare and support services to over 100 low- and moderate-income families in the area. Children will receive high-quality instruction, socialization, and nutritious food throughout the day, while parents will receive supportive social services such as parenting classes and family enrichment activities. With the support of additional grant funding from the Department of Education, Hamilton-Madison Houses plans to offer these services to the community free of charge once the renovations are complete.

 

High-quality childcare is essential in allowing parents and other caretakers to pursue employment and other opportunities, which in turn increases economic mobility. In 2020, median household income for the Smith Houses community, in which the center would be located, was $17,500 per year, with a poverty rate of 41.52 percent and housing cost burden of 49.67 percent. Re-opening the center would have numerous beneficial impacts on the community.

 

Upon completion of renovation, Hamilton-Madison House will also hire 16 staff members to staff the childcare classrooms and will train 25 family childcare providers in how to provide a safe and educational setting in their homes, creating childcare job opportunities. Once the center is open, funding for these staff members will come from Hamilton-Madison House’s operating budget.

 

Hamilton-Madison House has been serving the residents of Lower Manhattan since 1898. Hamilton-Madison House’s staff has grown to include a team of 300 who speak 15 languages, including six Chinese dialects. Alongside the childcare and parent support services, Hamilton-Madison House offers behavioral health services, early childhood education, senior services and youth development.