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Just Home Project Back on Track in Queens

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/20/just-home-project-back-on-track-in-queens.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, January 20th 2026 at 16:59 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

New York, NY - January 20th, 2026 - A significant victory for affordable housing advocates in New York City came today with the official announcement that the 'Just Home' supportive housing project in Jackson Heights, Queens, is back on track. After a period of frustrating stagnation due to local opposition, the project, spearheaded by Councilmember Francisco Moya, has secured renewed funding and is poised to begin construction, offering a vital lifeline to vulnerable New Yorkers.

The 'Just Home' initiative represents more than just bricks and mortar; it embodies a commitment to providing stable housing and comprehensive support services for individuals and families facing significant challenges. The project will ultimately deliver 147 units of much-needed affordable housing at 34-41 78th Street, a location strategically chosen for its proximity to public transportation - the 7 train - ensuring accessibility for residents and the wider community.

A History of Hesitation and Community Concerns

The project's journey hasn't been straightforward. Initially, the proposal encountered resistance from some local residents in Jackson Heights. Concerns centered around potential impacts on the neighborhood's character, safety, and existing infrastructure. These anxieties, while understandable, created a roadblock that threatened to derail the entire initiative. It's a familiar challenge in New York City, where the need for affordable housing is immense, yet the process of securing community buy-in can be complex and lengthy.

Councilmember Moya, chair of the Committee on City Council Land Use, recognized the validity of these concerns. Instead of pushing forward with an inflexible plan, his office adopted a strategy of active engagement and negotiation. This approach proved crucial in bridging the gap between the project's proponents and its detractors. It demonstrated a commitment to responsive governance - truly hearing the community and addressing their anxieties.

Compromise and Collaboration: The Key to Revival

The successful revival of 'Just Home' is a direct result of this collaborative spirit. The councilmember's office worked diligently to address the community's worries, leading to a revised plan that incorporates several key concessions. These modifications include enhanced security measures designed to alleviate safety concerns, as well as a formalized commitment to ongoing collaboration and communication with local residents. This open dialogue establishes a framework for managing the project's impact and fostering a positive relationship between the residents of 'Just Home' and their neighbors.

"We heard the community's concerns, and we worked to address them," stated Councilmember Moya. "This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when we listen to each other and come together to find solutions." His words underscore the importance of community involvement in urban development projects, moving away from a top-down approach and embracing a model of shared responsibility.

A Piece of a Larger Puzzle: NYC's Affordable Housing Crisis

The 'Just Home' project is not an isolated endeavor but rather an integral component of New York City's broader, and ongoing, effort to tackle the pervasive affordable housing crisis. The city faces a persistent shortage of affordable units, leaving countless individuals and families struggling to find safe and stable housing. Supportive housing, like 'Just Home,' plays a particularly vital role by providing not only housing but also crucial support services - including mental health care, job training, and addiction counseling - aimed at helping residents achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. These services are frequently critical for the target population, who often face multiple, intertwined challenges.

The secured funding marks a significant step forward, paving the way for construction to commence in the near future. While the challenges facing New York City's housing landscape remain substantial, the revival of 'Just Home' offers a powerful example of how compromise, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to community engagement can lead to tangible progress, providing hope and opportunity for vulnerable New Yorkers.