New York State Supportive Housing Program Offers Critical Funding for Services that Help Individuals and Families Avoid Homelessness
State Funding Allows 128 Community-Based Organizations to Provide Supportive Services to Vulnerable New Yorkers.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that $40 million is being awarded to 128 nonprofit organizations and local governments to provide services to residents of supportive housing developments in communities across New York State. Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the New York State Supportive Housing Program will provide 136 permanent supportive housing developments as well as 141 sites overseen by the New York City Department of Homeless Services with operating funding used to deliver the assistance their residents need to break cycles of homelessness.
"As the pandemic continues, we must continue to strengthen our supportive services networks, which provide vulnerable New Yorkers with the assistance they need to live a safe and stable life," Governor Hochul said. "By coupling affordable housing with supportive services, we are helping vulnerable New Yorkers address and overcome the complex root causes of their housing instability, so they can break the vicious cycle and move forward to live independent, fulfilling lives."
In total, the funding will provide services for 17,539 single adult beds, 2,542 family units, and 372 young adult beds in supportive housing developments in 45 counties throughout the state. View a list of the awards.
The New York State Supportive Housing Program is designed to provide funding for direct services to assist eligible populations residing in permanent or transitional housing projects. Funds support the cost of services designed to promote housing stability and greater independence, including employability, health stability and academic attainment.
The program assists a wide breadth of New Yorkers, including victims of domestic violence; individuals with mental illness or a history of substance use disorder; veterans; individuals previously involved in the criminal justice system; and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Also, young adults aging out of the foster care system; runaway or homeless youth; families whose temporary assistance is expiring or expired; families with multiple barriers to employment and housing stability; families at-risk of having their children placed in foster care; and families reuniting with children after foster care placement.
The supportive services funded through the program are designed to help individuals and families to remain in stable housing so they can avoid housing insecurity or placement in emergency shelters. These services include case management; benefits and health care advocacy; counseling and crisis intervention; employment or vocational assistance; educational assistance; parenting skills development; and life skills training, among others.
Studies have consistently shown the long-term and cost effectiveness of supportive housing in helping vulnerable populations achieve and maintain housing stability. Supportive housing is also effective at achieving other positive outcomes in terms of mental and physical health, and alleviating the use of health care, corrections, and other systems by those experiencing homelessness.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Executive Deputy Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said "All too often, New Yorkers who are facing or experiencing homelessness are also coping with an underlying issue that is contributing to their housing insecurity. The New York State Supportive Housing Program provides funding to nonprofit community-based organizations so they can provide the essential services these individuals and families can utilize to break cycles of homelessness."
Supportive Housing Network of New York Executive Director Laura Mascuch said, "On behalf of the Supportive Housing Network of New York's more than 200 nonprofit member organizations, we thank the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for the recently announced awards of $40 million to support services in 136 supportive housing residences across New York State through the New York State Supportive Housing Program. NYSSHP is not infrequently members' sole source of funding to help tenants live stably and with dignity in their community and is critically important to helping break the cycle of homelessness for the state's most vulnerable homeless families and individuals."
The Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks said, "The NYC Department of Social Services has made important progress addressing homelessness and strengthening pathways to stability for all New Yorkers in need. This has included connecting nearly 180,000 New Yorkers to meaningful permanent affordable housing opportunities and more than 16,000 New Yorkers to supportive housing opportunities. We are grateful for this vital funding from the State which will help build on this progress and further reinforce our mission to provide vulnerable New Yorkers with the kind of high-quality supports and resources they need and deserve as they get back on their feet."
Social Services Committee Chair Senator Roxanne Persaud said, "Tens of thousands of vulnerable adults and families across New York State have safe homes because of supportive housing programs. This $40 million being awarded to nearly 130 non-profits sustains wrap-around services that ultimately foster stability, independence, achievement and recovery for struggling New Yorkers."