In 2019, BlueHub Capital took a significant step toward empowering Bronx seniors by providing over $2 million in predevelopment financing to bring Casa Celina to life. Located in the Soundview neighborhood, where nearly 26% of residents live below the poverty line, Casa Celina offers more than just affordable housing—it is a sanctuary of dignity and stability for over 200 seniors.
Casa Celina goes beyond being a housing development. It represents a life-changing opportunity for low-income seniors, offering stability to those who need it most. Sixty-one units are dedicated as permanent supportive housing for homeless and formerly homeless seniors, while the remaining apartments are affordable for seniors earning below 60% of the area median income. This thoughtful allocation ensures that Casa Celina remains accessible to a diverse group of seniors, providing comfort, affordability, and a sense of belonging to individuals who might otherwise struggle to secure stable housing.
Named in honor of Celina Báez, mother of Bronx native and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Casa Celina stands as a tribute to the strength and resilience of this community. Through its redevelopment, what was once a New York City Housing Authority site has transformed into a symbol of hope and progress. This transformation was made possible through collaboration between developers Xenolith Partners—a women-owned business and BlueHub borrower—The Kretchmer Companies, ELH Management, and JASA, the Jewish Association Serving the Aging.
