Friendship House

Pros

• This is a fantastic senior housing facility!
• The building and community area and community room are very well maintained and clean.
• Their apartments are all in fantastic like new condition.
• Safe, clean.
• Very clean lobby and outside area. Residents appear happy.
• The grounds always look nice.
• Nice community.
• Great place to live; most people are very friendly and nice.

Cons

• The complex has gone downhill, with trash piling up in trash rooms and common areas not being cleaned.
• Repairs in apartments do not get done.
• Management and staff allow bullying and harassment of tenants on a daily basis.
• Although it is supposed to be a secure building, anyone can enter without being buzzed in, making it unsafe.
• The property manager is said to not care about the tenants or the building.
• The office manager is described as terrible, playing favorites and discriminating, while funds are spent on unnecessary things and repairs go undone.
• Cleanliness is at an all-time low, with dirty hallways, odors, and overflowing bins requiring outside contractors for basic fixes.
• One maintenance worker is praised, but the other is accused of doing nothing and being unhelpful.
• Residents feel mismanaged and fear repercussions for speaking up, with complaints met by excuses rather than action.

Review

Friendship House in Cortland, New York presents itself in several ways depending on who you ask. For many long-time residents and their visitors, it has always felt like a supportive, close-knit community where seniors can maintain independence while receiving some much-needed assistance. The facility has been described as a "great place to live" with a friendly atmosphere, clean surroundings, and a sense of security that makes daily life comfortable. In at least a few accounts, the lobby and exterior spaces are well-kept, and the community room serves as a welcoming hub for social interaction. A number of people point to the positive experiences of family members who moved in years ago and found real value in the balance of autonomy and assistance that Friendship House can offer.

Yet there is a starkly different, much more critical perspective that dominates many other reviews and comments. Several reviewers contend that the last couple of years have marked a noticeable decline from the once-stable and well-functioning operation they remember. They describe a pattern of neglect that has taken root in the building's daily rhythms: trash rooms overflowing, common areas not swept or mopped, and repairs slow to materialize or, in some cases, not completed at all. This deterioration is not merely cosmetic; it touches on health and safety concerns as well. One reviewer notes that the place has "gone downhill" with trash piling up and a general sense that basic upkeep has fallen by the wayside.

Security and access are singled out as particularly troubling for a number of residents. The building is supposed to be secure, but several people report that anyone can gain entry without much difficulty, calling into question the effectiveness of the building's buzz-in system. In these accounts, the fear isn't only about unauthorized access; it's tied to perceptions that management does not take residents' safety concerns seriously. Some reviews imply a broader dissatisfaction with how safety and security are managed, suggesting that tenants feel abandoned or ignored when issues are raised.

Management and staff issues loom large in the negative narratives. A recurring theme is that management, especially the office manager, appears disengaged or even openly unfair. Specific criticisms include favoritism, discriminatory behavior, and decisions that prioritize spending on items considered unnecessary while critical repairs languish. The collective sentiment is that the office leadership does not earn the wages they're paid and that they fail to advocate effectively for residents' needs. Several accounts describe a lack of accountability, with residents feeling that no real action follows complaints, despite promises or expected remedies.

Within the maintenance sphere, opinions are divided. Two maintenance personnel are mentioned, with Solomon earning praise for being diligent and dependable, and Brian earning sharp criticism for ineffectiveness and disengagement. Solomon is described as a hard worker who can be relied upon, while Brian is accused of not taking on tasks, wasting time in his office, and even engaging in unprofessional behavior, such as flirting with female residents or aides. The dissatisfaction extends to a broader concern that, due to underperformance, management opts to hire outside contractors to handle repairs - an arrangement that may reflect broader resource or policy issues within the building. Several reviewers call for replacing both the office manager and Brian, arguing that they do not earn their pay and that better leadership and skilled maintenance are urgently needed.

Beyond the day-to-day upkeep, some reviews recount specific episodes that have left residents wary. There are references to what appears to be intimidation or retaliation against residents who speak up about problems, which has contributed to a climate of fear around offering feedback. One account mentions a period when HUD involvement was anticipated and describes a hurried, two-day rush to present "results" rather than addressing problems in a steady, sustainable way. This characterization has reinforced a perception among residents that the institution may prioritize appearances or compliance over genuine, long-term improvements.

Nevertheless, there are consistently positive voices that emphasize the strengths of Friendship House. For many, the facility remains a safe, clean, and supportive environment. There are affirmations about the community being well-suited to seniors who desire a blend of independence and assistance. The spaces outside and inside the building - lobby, exterior areas, and general appearance - are frequently described as clean and welcoming. Some residents highlight that their family members have had excellent experiences leasing apartments or transitioning to community-based living within the same facility. A number of comments praise the kindness and friendliness of neighbors, as well as the experienced caretaking that helps seniors maintain their independence.

Several testimonials underscore the personal, emotional value of the place for residents and their families. One reviewer notes that a senior family member has lived there for nearly two decades and continues to be happy with the decision to move from independent living to a community-based arrangement. Another account highlights how living at Friendship House has helped a client become more independent and connected, with social interactions and new friendships forming as a natural part of daily life. For some, the environment offers predictable routines, social opportunities, and a level of support that makes aging in place feasible and enjoyable.

The reviews collectively reveal a community at a crossroads. On one hand, Friendship House is cherished by many who view it as a durable, nurturing option for senior living. They speak of clean spaces, amiable residents, and the comfort of living among people who share similar life experiences. On the other hand, a collection of voices warns potential residents and their families about a pattern of neglect, management gaps, and troubling experiences with some staff members. These accounts emphasize the need for renewed leadership, more reliable maintenance, stronger enforcement of safety measures, and a commitment to resident welfare that matches the facility's promises.

For anyone considering Friendship House, the story that emerges is nuanced. It is clearly a place that has historically offered security, community, and affection for its residents, especially those who value independence with supportive services. Yet it is also a living example of how a senior housing facility can suffer when maintenance lags, staff accountability wanes, and concerns from tenants go unaddressed. The best course of action for prospective residents and their families might be to directly observe the building's current condition, meet with both residents and staff, and inquire about concrete plans for addressing the most persistent issues - trash management, cleaning schedules, timely repairs, and a clear, accountable process for dealing with safety and discrimination concerns. In the end, Friendship House's future identity will likely hinge on the ability of its leadership to reconcile the warmth and community that many cherish with the safety, cleanliness, and proactive service that others feel have been compromised in recent years.

This area of Cortland, New York, offers a convenient location with various amenities nearby that cater to the needs and interests of seniors. With several places of worship within walking distance, individuals can actively participate in their religious community. There are also multiple healthcare providers in the vicinity, including physicians' offices and hospitals, ensuring easy access to medical care. Numerous restaurants offer a diverse selection of dining options, while parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Pharmacies are conveniently located for medication needs, and cafes offer spaces for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Transportation options are available for getting around the area, and a nearby airport provides accessibility for long-distance travel. Additionally, a local theater offers entertainment options for cultural enrichment. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking a comfortable and engaging living experience in Cortland.

Places of Worship

• Grace Christian Fellowship (0.2 miles)
• Christian & Missionary Alliance Church (0.4 miles)
• Bible Baptist Church (0.5 miles)
• Church Bible Baptist (0.5 miles)
• Free Methodist Church (0.8 miles)
• Newman Hall Catholic Center (1.1 miles)
• O'Heron Newman Catholic Chapel (1.2 miles)

Physicians

• Patricia Digiovanna Np (0.3 miles)
• Cortland Health Center (0.3 miles)
• Obstetric & Gynecologic Associates of Cortland MD PC (0.3 miles)
• Cortland Orthopedics (0.5 miles)
• Cortland Internist Associates (0.5 miles)
• Cortland Oral Surgery Center (0.6 miles)
• Cayuga Renaissance GYN (0.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Cortland Memorial Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Cortland Regional Maternity (0.4 miles)
• Cortland Surgical Center (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Hyde Diner (0.3 miles)
• Doug's Fish Fry (0.5 miles)
• Hollywood Restaurant (0.9 miles)
• Steve & Lu's Diner (0.9 miles)
• Central City Bar & Grill (1.1 miles)
• Burger King (1.1 miles)
• Hairy Tony's (1.2 miles)

Parks

• Suggett Park (0.5 miles)
• Cortland Waterworks (1.1 miles)
• Dexter Park (1.6 miles)
• Yaman Park (1.7 miles)
• Durkee Memorial Park (2.7 miles)
• Homer Green (2.7 miles)
• Montgomery Park (9.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kinney Drugs (1 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (1.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Top's Markets (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Coffee Mania (1 miles)
• Coffee Cookies & Creamers (1 miles)
• Bru 64 (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Coffee Mania (1.6 miles)
• Origins (2.2 miles)
• Brewer’s Cafe and Taproom (14.5 miles)

Transportation

• Autorental America (1.4 miles)
• Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) (16.2 miles)

Theaters

• Plaza 6 Cinemas (2 miles)