OGDENSBURG — A $5.2 million 20-bed supportive housing project for the homeless will soon open on Knox Street.

Developed by S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P., Inc. the Lincoln School Apartment Project includes 18 studio apartments for single adults and two one-bedroom apartments for homeless couples.

"It has taken a lot of dedication and hard work from everyone involved to complete the Lincoln School Apartment Project. Despite all of the obstacles, we are very grateful to be able to finally have 20 new affordable housing units available. It comes at a time when our community has never been more in need,” S.T.E.P. by S.T.E.P. Executive Director David Bayne said.

The 20 apartments have already been rented, and there is a waiting list, said Step by Stop Board Member Barbara Ward. But the apartments are not quite ready for tenants yet.

“It’s been a journey,” said Ward, now five years since the start of the project. Executive Director David Bayne “had a vision of taking an abandoned elementary school and repurposing it, offering housing to the homeless that benefits those who will call this place their home, as well as the entire community,” said Ward.

“This beloved neighborhood elementary school will again be teaching valuable lessons for all of the community. Lessons taught will include caring and understanding of those less fortunate,” she Ward.

“It’s amazing to see it all come together. Dreams do come true,” said Ward.

Support services to be provided include case management, self-help groups, health and wellness classes, independent living skills, home healthcare, and benefit advisement.

The apartments were constructed with more than $4.7 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which is administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

The project also received $440,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York's Affordable Home Program and $10,000 from Community Bank N.A.

In addition, the New York State Office of Mental Health will provide $380,000 annually in operating funding for the supportive services through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, as well as $100,000 in start-up funding.

"We are grateful to the State for funding this important effort to help address homelessness in St. Lawrence County. The creation of these supportive housing units, and the services being provided, will help local residents to successfully address the circumstances that led to them becoming homeless,” said William Sheridan, St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators chairman.

Hochul said the project would be transformative.

"Today, we are transforming the lives of New Yorkers with mental illness who formerly experienced homelessness by giving them both a safe, stable place to live and access to supportive services. By connecting New Yorkers to both housing and the services they need, we are providing support to ensure residents at Lincoln School Apartments are able to thrive,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.

The project involved the addition of an elevator and a new heating system.