Lawrence A. & Mae L. Wien House

The Wien House is a 14-story, 100-unit facility for low income elderly and mobility impaired. Since it opened in 1990, it’s has been regarded as a model in the low income senior housing industry because it was the first facility of its kind in the U.S. to refinance its mortgage through low income housing tax credits. This provided millions of dollars in physical improvements and enhanced social services. The Wien House currently has a closed waiting list of over 400 applicants for housing.

Residents of the Wien House enjoy modern apartments, 24-hour security, a library, laundry room, computer lab and solarium, and access to both indoor and outdoor community spaces.

The professional staff includes a social worker who can assist tenants with entitlement services as well as social and mental health issues. Interpretation services are offered to residents in Russian, Spanish and various Chinese dialects. Additionally, residents are offered a free physical fitness program with an exercise physiologist three times a week.

When the Wien House opened its doors in 1990, the average age of tenants was 67. Now it’s 80, with more than half of its apartments occupied by original tenants, giving credence to how creating a supportive environment for seniors can add to their longevity and independence.

The Wien House is managed by the Y and physically connected to the Y’s facility through an indoor passage. This gives tenants easy access to the Y’s numerous social, cultural arts and recreational services along with its meals program. Additionally, many socialization and recreational programs take place solely for Wien House residents through a corporate contribution by Con Edison. These include ESL programs, a weekly coffee hour, day trips, special events and bingo.