Freedom Commons

Freedom Commons is a collaboration between Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) and the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA), with the goal of providing affordable and supportive housing to individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system. The project is part of an ongoing master plan by Syracuse Housing Authority to reinvigorate the area located just west of the Syracuse University campus with quality housing, providing a more walkable community with buildings that establish a more defined streetscape. The Center for Community Alternatives works with formerly incarcerated individuals providing housing and support programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

The LEED for Homes Gold Certified project is a three-story building consisting of 54 units with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and townhouses. There are also three group shelter rooms supporting formerly homeless individuals transitioning back into independence. A community room, computer/training room and laundry facilities are provided for the residents. The CCA program also incorporates a kitchen and dining area to help provide skill training and meals for the shelter residents. These community areas are shared between apartment and shelter residents to encourage interaction between the communities and help ease the transition from homeless to independence.