Projects in Brooklyn and Oneida County Will Create 103 Units of Housing for Homeless Individuals and Families
New York – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $11.4 million in state funding has been awarded to two supportive housing projects in Oneida County and one in Brooklyn. These three projects will create 103 units of emergency and permanent housing for homeless older adults, youth, families and individuals with mental illness, with funding from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.
“These projects will help many of our most vulnerable New Yorkers by providing them with a safe, stable and affordable place to live,” Governor Cuomo said. “Across this great state, we are investing in new supportive housing projects to revitalize communities and help build a stronger New York for all.”
Organizations receiving funding are as follows:
City of Oneida Housing Authority, Oneida County – $2.1 million – In conjunction with the Municipal Housing Authority of Utica, this funding, when combined with other sources, will be used to develop an affordable and supportive housing project in Verona for older adults and homeless disabled individuals over age 55. A vacant schoolhouse will be rehabilitated to provide 50 apartments, including 15 serving homeless seniors, and will also feature a senior center to provide services to residents and the public.
Catholic Charities of Oneida & Madison Counties, Oneida County – $2.3 million – This funding will be used to rehabilitate an existing building in Utica, developing an emergency youth shelter for 11 homeless/at risk male youth, ages 12 to 18, on the first and second floors. The third floor of the building will contain three fully furnished one-bedroom permanent units for male adults ages 18 to 24.
Breaking Ground, Kings County – $7 million – Working with co-applicants the African American Planning Commission, this funding, when combined with other sources, will be used to develop 80 units of supportive housing and 46 affordable units for individuals and families in Brooklyn. The project also includes commercial space in the building that will be rented out.
The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, provides capital funding to develop housing for various special-needs populations that is designed to help families and individuals move out of homelessness and poverty, toward the highest level of independence possible.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, “These projects demonstrate our broad-based approach to addressing homelessness, constructing various types of housing to meet community needs. What ties all these projects together is the provision of supportive services, to ensure residents have the assistance they need to overcome the circumstances that may have led to them becoming homeless.”
Greg Olsen, Acting Director of the New York State Office for the Aging, said, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership and recognition that access to age-friendly, affordable housing opportunities are paramount to living with autonomy in the community. This latest investment will help older adults remain connected to the vital community resources they need to remain healthy and engaged, and supports the Governor’s strong commitment to make New York the first age-friendly state in the nation.”
Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, “Making sure those who may find themselves in a vulnerable situation have access to good, safe and quality housing and shelter is a very important endeavor. Altogether, these projects will create over 100 housing units for those in need, while the projects in Utica and Verona also will rehabilitate existing buildings in each community. I am looking forward to watching as these projects progress.”
Senator Jesse Hamilton said, “I welcome this announcement of $11.4 million in state funding for housing, including a $7 million investment in Brooklyn. New York’s housing crisis requires sustained action by the public and private sectors. As we make these investments, we must continue to uphold our values, include neighborhoods in decision making, and share the responsibility for overcoming these challenges equally, by all neighborhoods in Brooklyn.”
Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica said, “The funding for Catholic Charities will provide much-needed shelter and support for young people in the Utica area who are homeless, and at risk for substance abuse, or being victims of crime and violence. It has been shown time and time again that if you provide safe housing and support for young people who are out on the streets, they have a chance to turn their lives around and become valuable members of society. The Verona supportive housing program is an excellent collaboration between the Oneida and Utica Housing Authorities to provide needed services for homeless seniors and the disabled. Both these projects will fulfill a great need in the Mohawk Valley for quality supportive housing.”
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker said, “One of the most important priorities to the people of Brooklyn is tackling the homeless crisis. There are a number of homeless shelters in the 55th Assembly District and almost all of them are at max capacity. On behalf of the community, churches, pastors, and stakeholders, I applaud Governor Cuomo for funding to supportive housing initiatives because we see how imperative it is in Brownsville and Brooklyn altogether. This initiative will create 103 units of emergency and permanent housing which is a vital step towards tackling the homeless crisis in our city.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “These projects will provide much-needed housing that will greatly help vulnerable populations in Oneida County. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for providing this funding to our community.”
Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said, “Providing safe housing for our most vulnerable populations is an important issue and this funding from the State will enhance opportunity and quality of life for these individuals. I commend Governor Cuomo, not just for his leadership in recognizing this problem, but for once again stepping to the plate and providing the resources necessary to positively impact the lives of residents in our communities.”
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