Free housing to be offered to 1 student

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- One of the issues many college students face is finding a safe, affordable place to live. Now, thanks to a new partnership that won't be a problem for some Gateway Community College students in the months ahead.

There was excitement in the air when the ribbon was cut Tuesday, re-opening a building at Winthrop and Chapel in New Haven.

Real estate company Pike International has spent more than $400,000 renovating the building, which had a checkered past before the make-over.

"In the four years before this renovation we were here 226 times on prostitution, burglary, assault and drug complaints at the property," said Major John DeStefano.

Now, the new building will also provide new hope for a Gateway Community College student.

The school is partnering with Pike to create what's being called the "Housing for Hope Fellowship" program.

"Many of our students come to us with the academic preparations, but many are struggling financially," said Dorsey L. Kendrick, Gateway Community College President, "and while they get Pell grants or may receive some sort of financial aid those dollars are not always adequate."

The fellowship will give one Gateway student initially and likely more in the future, the chance to live in an apartment rent free for up to six months.

"We want to provide solid good housing," said Carol Lopez-Smith, Pike International, "and we also think that the Gateway Community student is a model tenant because they're working, trying to go to school to get an education so that they can eventually move up."

Gateway will determine what student receives the fellowship.

All parties involved; Gateway, city hall and Pike, call it a win-win situation.

"We are providing people with the urban housing that they can proudly raise their families in and strengthen the urban fabric of New Haven," said Brian Foley, Pike International architect.

While just one student will initially have the opportunity to live in the building rent free, Pike International expects that number to increase to three or four students by the end of 2012.