Governor Cuomo announces US$17M for supportive housing for homeless New Yorkers

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that US$17 million in state funding has been awarded to four supportive housing projects in New York City, Erie, Steuben and Oswego counties. According to a release from the Governor’s office these developments will create 147 units of housing for homeless families and individuals with funding from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.

“Every New Yorker deserves a safe, decent and affordable place to live and we are building supportive housing developments across the state to help ensure the most vulnerable among us have a roof over their head and access to the services they need,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this funding, we are investing in stronger communities to give members of the family of New York a chance at a better life,” Cuomo said.
Organizations receiving funding are as follows: Center for Urban Community Services, New York – US$7.7 million – This funding, when combined with other sources, will support the new construction of a 12-story, 117-unit building in Central Harlem. The project includes 70 apartments for formerly homeless single adults and families, with the remaining units for low-income families and individuals.
Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Erie County – US$3.4 million – This funding, when combined with other sources, will support the development of 84 apartments in Buffalo. The project includes 26 units for homeless individuals, age 55 and over. An additional 14 units will be set aside for senior citizens and the remaining 44 units will be for low-income families and individuals.
Oswego County Opportunities, Oswego County – US$3.1 million – This funding, when combined with other sources, will be used for the new construction of 56 permanent housing units. Seventeen of the units will be for homeless individuals, with the remaining 39 apartments being for low-income families and individuals.
Steuben Churchpeople Against Poverty, Steuben County – US$2.8 million – This funding, when combined with other sources, will be used to develop 82 units of supportive and affordable housing. Thirty-four of the apartments will be for homeless individuals with the remaining units for low-income families and individuals.
Office of Temporary and Disability Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, “Our Homeless Housing and Assistance Program plays an important role by providing capital funding for a wide range of housing types serving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness who are dealing with various special needs. By supporting projects like these we are carrying out Governor Cuomo’s commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis in New York.”
According to the release, these projects are part of Governor Cuomo’s US$20 billion Homelessness and Affordable Housing Action Plan, which includes US$10 billion dedicated to creating and preserving 100,000 units of affordable housing and US$10 billion devoted to tackling homelessness by developing 6,000 new, permanent supportive housing units. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program is a key part of the Governor’s plan.