Governor Hochul Announces More Than $21 Million for Supportive Housing Projects

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $21.1 million for housing projects in the New York City region and Western New York to provide permanent supportive housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness and to fund repairs at an emergency shelter in Orange County. Supported by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, the awards will provide 208 units to serve formerly homeless individuals, including veterans as well as those with a mental illness or substance use disorder, among others.

"Stable housing and supportive services are critical components in our efforts to help vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness in communities across the state," Governor Hochul said. "These projects, along with many others supported by the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, will help broaden access to the services and supports New Yorkers can rely on to break cycles of homelessness and start on a path to lasting stability."

The grants were awarded through a competitive process by the New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation, a public benefit corporation staffed by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Through this program, New York State has appropriated more than $1.6 billion toward the development of supportive housing. In total, the program has created more than 26,000 units of housing to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

With these latest awards, the program has committed more than $100.2 million of the funding provided in the FY 2023 Budget. The latest projects awarded funding include:

• DePaul Properties, Inc., $6.9 million to develop 25 units in the Niagara County town of Wheatfield. The Granary project will construct a three-story building with laundry facilities, a community room, support service offices, and an exterior central courtyard to serve older adults and those living with a serious mental illness.

• Community Access, Inc., $9.8 million to develop 163 units of permanent supportive housing in the Bronx. The River II project will construct a 19-story building with a community room, commercial kitchen, exercise room, laundry room, and computer room to serve individuals with serious mental issues and veterans experiencing homelessness.

• Thankful Community Development Corporation, $4.4 million to build 20 units of permanent supportive housing in Buffalo. Thankful Gardens will construct a pair of two-story buildings and substantially rehabilitate a third two-story building to serve homeless individuals and families with a substance use disorder.

In addition, Bridges of New York, Inc. was awarded $100,000 to conduct repairs at a 12-bed emergency shelter in Orange County.

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program is an important component of Governor Hochul's $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan, which was initially adopted as part of the FY 2023 Budget. Governor Hochul's plan will help create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.

The FY 2024 Budget continued $128 million in capital funding for the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The request for proposals for the latest round of funding was issued late last month, with submissions being accepted now on a rolling basis.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "Emergency shelters and supportive housing both play a critical role in our efforts to meaningfully addressing homelessness throughout our state. The projects funded through Homeless Housing and Assistance Program are helping to expand supportive housing options in communities around our state and providing the funding for emergency shelters to perform necessary repairs. Governor Hochul's continued support for this program reflects her commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to safe, affordable housing."

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "The supportive housing funding awards announced today will help individuals with mental illness to live and thrive in their own community. We at OMH are proud to work with our colleagues at OTDA, and we applaud Governor Hochul's historic commitment to providing appropriate housing with services to give people with mental illness the opportunity to live successfully and independently in their own home."

Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, "Supportive housing for people with substance use disorders can be an integral part of their recovery process, in addition to supporting their overall health. OASAS looks forward to working with our partner agencies to support these important services throughout the state, as we continue our mission to help all New Yorkers and their families who have been impacted by addiction."

Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, "The allocation of $21.1 million by Governor Hochul for housing projects including 208 units specifically designated for Veterans and other previously homeless individuals, demonstrates New York's unwavering commitment to those who have served our nation. We recognize the urgent need to provide safe and supportive environments for our brave Veterans, ensuring they receive the care and dignity they deserve. This investment not only addresses the immediate housing crisis but also serves as a testament to our enduring promise to honor and support our veterans, empowering them to rebuild their lives and thrive once again."

State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, "I commend Governor Kathy Hochul's commitment to providing supportive housing for vulnerable New Yorkers. The $21.1 Million investment is a positive step to provide 208 units for formerly homeless individuals. This investment will afford them to live with dignity while receiving the necessary services to enhance their quality of life. As the Chairperson of the Senate's Social Services Committee, I will continue to work with the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and the Governor's team to find ways to improve the lives of our vulnerable New Yorkers."

Assemblymember Maritza Davila said, "When we talk about supportive housing, we are talking about helping to build a foundation for families to ultimately thrive and become productive members of society. I'm grateful that $21.1 million will be allocated to support families who are experiencing homelessness. Often homelessness occurs because individuals are suffering from substance abuse or mental illness. It's important that we provide shelter to bring a sense of normalcy and stability to their lives in world where they are facing complex challenges. This funding will help to integrate essential services for our most vulnerable allowing them to get the help they need on their journey to recovery."

DePaul Properties, Inc. President Mark Fuller said, "DePaul is grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and our partners at the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance for this award, which will allow us to create affordable housing where residents can access the support services they require to live successfully. We look forward to changing even more lives for individuals in Niagara County by offering housing stability for the most vulnerable populations."

Bridges of Greater New York President Lori Costantino-Brown said, "This grant will prevent our program from relocating or closing its doors. With this funding, we can continue to positively impact those who struggle with homelessness and substance use disorder in Newburgh. We applaud Governor Hochul's continued support, which is helping to change lives in our community."

CEO of Community Access Cal Hedigan said, "The $9.8M award from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program provides critical funding to make the development of supportive and affordable housing possible. These funds, together with our Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award, will support the development and operation of our 276-unit project on River Avenue in the Bronx. We applaud New York State's commitment to addressing the housing affordability crisis across our state, and we are grateful to the State for its continued partnership as we work together to realize a society in which every person has a home."