Funding Awards Will Lead to the Creation of 410 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing for Formerly Homeless New Yorkers
State-Funded Program is Aimed at Breaking Cycles of Homelessness; Part of Governor Hochul’s $25 Billion Five-Year Housing Plan
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $38.6 million for housing projects in the New York City, Long Island, and Southern Tier regions that will provide permanent supportive housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness. Supported by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, the awards will fund the creation of 410 units to serve formerly homeless individuals, including those with a mental illness or substance use disorder, and survivors of domestic violence among others.
«Permanent, supportive housing can have a transformational impact on the lives of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness,” Governor Hochul said. «By funding these projects, we are able to provide the services and support necessary to help New Yorkers break the cycle of homelessness and provide them with a safe and stable place to call home.”
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, creating more than 26,000 units of housing to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The awards include three projects totaling more than $20.6 million that are being funded through the $128 million allocated for the program in the FY 2023 Budget. With these awards, the state has fully appropriated this funding to projects that will build 1,093 units of permanent supportive housing, 32 new units of emergency housing and preserve one unit of emergency housing.
Also awarded were two projects totaling $17.9 million from the $128 million allocated through the FY 2024 Budget. These projects are expected to collectively add 250 units of supportive housing.
The latest projects awarded funding include:
- Mercy Haven, Inc., $4 million to develop eight units in Hempstead in Nassau County. Hempstead Homeless Housing will renovate two existing multi-unit residential homes on two separate sites.
- YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County, $6.6 million to develop 38 units in Binghamton in Broome County. Part of a larger project, the Lisle Avenue Apartments will construct a four-story building for the residential component and renovate an adjacent building to serve as a childcare center.
- Bowery Residents’ Committee, Inc., $10 million to develop 114 units in Manhattan. The Hill Top Apartments will provide supportive housing for frequent users of the New York City Health and Hospitals (H+H) system who have behavioral health conditions and a history of homelessness.
- Breaking Ground II Housing Development Fund Corporation, $10 million to develop 217 units in New York City. The 1760 Third Avenue project will convert an existing 19-story former student dormitory in the East Harlem section of Manhattan.
- WellLife Network, Inc., $7.9 million to develop 33 units in Medford in Suffolk County. Part of a larger project, Medford Gardens will construct a fully electric and accessible three-story apartment building.
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.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, «The projects funded through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program will aid in our efforts to meaningfully address homelessness throughout our state. By expanding supportive housing options, we can help a greater number of New Yorkers break cycles of homelessness and bring lasting stability to their lives. I applaud Governor Hochul’s continued support for this program and her commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to safe, affordable housing.»
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, «Welcoming, safe, and supportive housing is critical for the recovery of individuals living with mental illness and addiction. It gives a solid foundation upon which to build their lives. The projects announced by Governor Hochul today will benefit these individuals, their families, and their entire communities”
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, «Supportive housing is a critical component in recovery from substance use disorder. The risk of homelessness can be a significant barrier to a person’s recovery. The funds made available through the homeless housing and assistance program will help promote self-reliance, support successful long-term recovery, and increase overall quality of life for families and individuals.”
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, «Safe, supportive housing is essential to individuals who have been impacted by domestic and gender-based violence. The majority of survivors experience financial abuse and don’t always have a clear path to safe housing. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program will help to remove a major barrier that these individuals face. Thank you Governor Hochul for supporting this program and for supporting survivors.»
Well Life Network CEO Sherry Tucker said, «For individuals contending with a disability, having a safe place to call home is a critical step toward helping them achieve lasting stability in their lives. Medford Gardens will offer these individuals housing, in addition to the supportive services they can rely on to break cycles of homelessness. Projects like this one in Suffolk County are possible thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued commitment and focus on building more supportive housing throughout the state to serve all New Yorkers in need.»
Breaking Ground President and CEO Brenda Rosen said, “We are proud to partner with Governor Kathy Hochul and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to create over 400 new units of supportive and affordable housing in Manhattan. This $10 million award from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program provides vital funds to acquire and transform an underutilized residential building into permanent apartments for people who are exiting homelessness, including set asides for both younger and older adult New Yorkers.”
YWCA of Binghamton/Broome County Executive Director Carole Coppens said, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the generous Homeless Housing and Assistance Program award given to the YWCA Binghamton/Broome County. Governor Kathy Hochul’s support has made a significant and positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. The funding allocated to this project demonstrates a strong commitment from our Governor towards addressing the critical issue of affordable housing in our region. Thanks to your support, we will be able to create a space where families can thrive, children can grow in a nurturing environment, and individuals can find stability they need to pursue their goals and dreams. Once again, thank you for your investment into our community.”
Bowery Residents’ Committee, Inc. CEO and President Muzzy Rosenblatt said, «BRC appreciates the steadfast support of Governor Hochul for building quality supportive housing. The important city and state partnership to house formerly homeless New Yorkers at Hill Top Apartments will result in better health outcomes for residents, reduced costs for the health care system, and an increased capacity for the system to serve individuals with acute medical needs.»
Mercy Haven Executive Director Patricia Griffith said, “Mercy Haven, Inc is proud and appreciative to have been awarded a Homeless Housing and Assistance Program grant as part of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable throughout New York State. This vital support allows Mercy Haven to provide 12 individuals in the Village of Hempstead with permanent housing and stabilizing support services. Funding for the Hempstead Homeless Housing Project comes as a wonderful development in Mercy Haven’s efforts to increase housing in the village of Hempstead where prohibitive costs make housing stability unreachable for many. Mercy Haven salutes the New York State Office of Temporary Disabilities and the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, fund administrators, and Gov. Hochul for her continued advocacy for safe housing for all.”