$28.8 million allocated to supportive housing projects throughout state through NYS temporary and disability assistance programs

Albany, NY According to governor Andrew Cuomo, $28.8 million has been awarded to seven supportive housing projects across the state, allowing the construction of 252 housing units for homeless residents. The funding, awarded through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, will support projects in the Bronx, Chautauqua, Onondaga, Orange, Oswego and Tompkins counties.

“Ensuring that the most vulnerable among us have a decent and affordable place to live is critical to keeping our communities vibrant and safe,” governor Cuomo said. “With this funding we will provide hundreds of New Yorkers with a roof over their head and a secure place to call home.”

Each of the projects will be exclusively serving individuals trying to overcome a variety of conditions that may have contributed to them experiencing homelessness, including mental illness, substance abuse disorder and HIV/AIDS, among others. Supportive housing ensures that residents of these units will have access to services that will help them overcome the obstacles they face in maintaining stable housing. The awards are as follows: 

New York City:

• $8.63 million for West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing; and

• $6.5 million for The Bridge.

Mid-Hudson:

• $3.85 million for Safe Homes of Orange County.  

Central New York:

• $2.97 million for Housing Visions Unlimited; and 

• $909,767 for Oswego County Opportunities.  

Southern Tier:

• $3.73 million for Tompkins Community Action; and  

• $2.22 million for Southern Tier Environments for Living. 

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance commissioner Samuel Roberts said, “New York State’s support of these projects further demonstrates governor Cuomo’s commitment to addressing the homeless crisis in a comprehensive manner. Each of these projects reflect the needs of their specific communities and will do much to help stabilize the surrounding neighborhoods.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The Governor’s investment in supportive housing for New Yorkers enables the state to do more for those facing housing insecurity and homelessness than ever before. For many, achieving a stable, healthy lifestyle takes more than a key to a safe, solid home; they need supportive services tailored to their needs. Today’s awards will ensure that more individuals and families have the opportunity to make a fresh start.”

The FY 2018 Budget continues funding for the state’s $20 billion comprehensive, five-year plan for affordable and supportive housing to ensure New Yorkers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness have safe and secure housing. The budget includes $2.5 billion in funding to advance the creation or preservation of 100,000 affordable and 6,000 supportive housing units.