Buildings Rehabilitated at Four Locations to Create 27 Apartments for Formerly Homeless Individuals and Families
Homeless Housing and Assistance Program Provided $7.5 Million in State Capital Funding
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the grand opening of 27 apartments across four sites in Binghamton that will provide supportive housing for formerly homeless families and individuals. Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc.’s $8.1 million development involved the renovation of four buildings and was largely supported with state funds through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.
“These 27 new apartments will help meet community needs and address homelessness in Binghamton and the surrounding area by providing safe, stable and affordable housing with wraparound services available to residents,” Governor Hochul said. “We know that more than bricks and mortar are needed to appropriately provide housing for some of our most vulnerable residents and expanding the supply of supportive housing is an important part of our efforts to address the state’s ongoing housing crisis.”
Greater Opportunities’ development complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
The construction included extensive renovations on all four buildings and created 27 new permanent supportive apartments at 39-49 Munsell Street, 22 Moffat Avenue, 22 Way Street, and 4 Sturges Street in Binghamton. The project will serve people who have experienced homelessness, including those with serious mental illness, people who were formerly incarcerated, veterans, young adults and youth aging out of foster care. Supportive services to be provided include case management, life skills education and training, employment skills training, budgeting, education, transportation, and social/emotional well-being.
Funding for this project includes $7.5 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and more than $500,000 from the city of Binghamton. Operating funding will be provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through OTDA.
The Homeless Housing Assistance Program provides capital grants and loans to not-for-profit corporations, charitable and religious organizations, and municipalities to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate housing for persons who are unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance. The grants are awarded through a competitive process by the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation, a public benefit corporation staffed by OTDA.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The completion of this multi-site project provides much-needed supportive housing in Binghamton, helping to stabilize the lives of families and individuals who have experienced homelessness while providing services to help them live independently. We congratulate our partners the city of Binghamton and Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango for the successful completion of this development.”
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “Every Binghamton resident deserves a safe and secure place to call home, and I am proud to see this substantial investment in affordable housing for formerly homeless families and individuals in Broome County. By providing supportive and affordable apartments to dozens of New Yorkers, this new housing development will help our state’s most vulnerable residents live independently. I applaud Governor Hochul's efforts to increase access to affordable housing across New York, and I will never stop fighting to ensure that every single New Yorker has a roof over their head.”
State Senator Lea Webb said, “Access to safe and affordable housing is one of our most pressing issues across the Southern Tier. This project will help us meet some of the ongoing need for permanent supportive housing for some of our most vulnerable families here in Broome County. My thanks to Governor Hochul and OTDA for providing $7.5 million in state funding through the Homeless Housing and Assistance program to bring this project to fruition. We must continue to provide more equitable resources for supportive housing initiatives.
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “This housing development is a welcome addition to a part of the City of Binghamton long in need of targeted supports and attention. We are experiencing a housing and homelessness crisis that requires focus and action through projects like this. I’d like to sincerely thank Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, OTDA, and the City of Binghamton for their coordinated efforts. And to the Governor for promoting a housing plan that includes assistance for our community’s most vulnerable.”
City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said, “This project is a model for how municipalities across New York State can work together with partners to deliver real progress in solving the statewide affordable housing crisis. With support from New York State and the City of Binghamton, Greater Opportunities has transformed four of our area’s worst eyesores into safe, supportive housing for community members most in need. Binghamton will continue to lead on delivering real solutions to the affordable housing problem and investing in our community’s future.”
Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc., CEO Mark Silvanic said, “Greater Opportunities continues to push for safe and affordable housing to meet the needs in our community. Improved housing stock brings stability to families, increases community assets, and creates a positive economic impact.”