(Photo provided).
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced that $56.5 million in state funding has been awarded to 15 projects that will provide housing for homeless individuals and families. The projects, funded through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, will create nearly 600 units of permanent supportive housing and 40 emergency shelter beds for veterans, survivors of domestic violence and individuals with mental illness.
"This funding will help provide some of our most vulnerable residents with a safe, stable place to live with access to the support services they need," Governor Cuomo said. "These projects are one more step towards ensuring all New Yorkers have access to affordable housing in their communities."
"My mother was an advocate for victims of domestic violence, and I'm proud to carry on her legacy by helping those in need," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "We are committed to investing in affordable housing and support services in New York to help our most vulnerable New Yorkers, including victims of domestic violence, our brave veterans, and individuals with mental illness. This significant funding will help to ensure an affordable, quality place to live and continue our efforts to combat homelessness across the state."
In Cortland County, the money ($1.5 million) will be used to support Christopher Community Housing in the construction of a $7.5 million, three-story building to create 25 units and 57 beds of permanent supportive housing for homeless families. Support services will include counseling, assistance with obtaining food, furniture and school supplies, financial and legal assistance and access to transportation.
These efforts are part of the Governor's commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing, which is reflected in the State's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year housing plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 of supportive housing.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Mike Hein said, "Under Governor Cuomo, New York has been a leader in its commitment to the power of supportive housing to overcome homelessness. Investing in projects like these brings us to closer to ensuring all New Yorkers can have access to safe, decent and affordable housing."
