Finger Lakes Rural Housing Initiative Offers Supportive Services Across Four Counties
Part of Governor’s Unprecedented $20 Billion Homelessness and Affordable Housing Action Plan
New York – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of a $2.62 million supportive housing project in the Finger Lakes. The project will provide permanent and transitional housing for homeless veterans and individuals suffering from a substance abuse disorder in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties. Residents will be able to access the necessary services to help achieve stability in their lives and be active participants in their community. This project is part of Governor Cuomo’s unprecedented $20 billion Homelessness and Affordable Housing Action Plan.
“In the face of a homelessness crisis that has affected communities in every corner of this state, New York has made a historic commitment to help ensure that every New Yorker has a safe place to call home,” Governor Cuomo said. “These supportive housing units will provide homeless veterans and those suffering from substance abuse with the housing and support services they need for a better life and a brighter future.”
The project, which is already serving some individuals, is broken up into the four sites as follows:
- Waterloo (Seneca County) – 7 units/8 beds
- Geneva (Ontario County) – 3 units/5 beds
- Newark (Wayne County) – 3 units/5 beds
- Penn Yan (Yates County) – 2 units/4 beds
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance awarded $2.4 million through its Homeless Housing Assistance Program. Additional development funding was provided by The Finger Lakes Addiction Counseling & Referral Agency as well as The Federal Home Loan Bank.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, “Governor Cuomo has made a strong commitment to addressing homelessness and this project is just another shining example. The supportive housing created will not only provide residents a safe and stable place to live, but also ensure the individuals served will have access to support services they need to achieve self-sustainability.”
Senator Mike Nozzolio said, “We can never repay our veterans for the sacrifices they made to protect the freedoms that we so often take for granted. I believe it is imperative that we provide whatever services they may need and I applaud the Governor for his commitment to insuring that they have adequate housing and other related services.”
Senator Tom O’Mara said, “These state-local partnerships are critical and effective foundations for addressing local crises including addiction and homelessness. We are grateful to Governor Cuomo and his administration for working closely with the Finger Lakes Addiction Counseling and Referral Agency to strengthen the housing and services available to homeless veterans and residents suffering from addiction. It’s an important step forward for Yates County and the entire Finger Lakes region.”
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb said, “This is a critical investment that provides essential assistance to homeless veterans and people struggling with addicition. Helping our neighbors in challenging times is a hallmark of the Finger Lakes community. This endeavor provides a place to call home, and offers programs and services that put people on a path to a brighter future.”
Assemblyman Robert Oaks said, “These types of facilities are needed in the Finger Lakes region to offer help to people with substance abuse issues,” Assemblyman Oaks R,C, Macedon said. “Having a safe place to stay with access to available services to beat addiction can be the first step on the way to recovery and productive life.”
Operating funding for this project is provided through the new Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and will be contracted through the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. The Finger Lakes Addiction Counseling & Referral Agency will partner with local organizations on resident placement.
Finger Lakes Addiction Counseling & Referral Agency Executive Director Martin Teller said, “We would like to thank Governor Cuomo and our partners in state and local government for their continued support and recognizing the important role that housing plays in treating addiction. This project will help people address the circumstances that have contributed to their homelessness while changing their lives for the better.”
Governor Cuomo’s Homelessness and Affordable Housing Action Plan
This project is part of Governor Cuomo’s Homelessness and Affordable Housing Action Plan, a comprehensive initiative that includes $10 billion dedicated to creating and preserving 100,000 units of affordable housing, $10 billion dedicated to tackling homelessness by developing 6,000 new permanent supportive housing units and 1,000 emergency beds, and offering an expanded array of homelessness services.
