Three Projects Include 80 Units of Supportive Housing for Homeless Individuals
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $11.4 million in state funding for three supportive housing developments in Buffalo and Brooklyn. The projects will create or preserve 80 units of housing for homeless New Yorkers supported by funding from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.
“From Brooklyn to Buffalo, we are building new affordable and supportive housing to give the most vulnerable New Yorkers a place to call home,” Governor Cuomo said. “These three projects will help to revitalize the neighborhoods where they are located, offering clean, safe and affordable housing and supporting the transformation and growth of the communities.”
Supportive housing plays an important role in overcoming a variety of conditions that could have contributed to individuals becoming homeless by providing easy access to services that will help them remain stably housed. Services provided at these three developments will include case management, mental health care, education, substance abuse treatment and vocational support, among others.
Organizations receiving funding are as follows:
- CAMBA Housing Ventures Inc., Brooklyn – $5.5 million – This funding will be used for the new construction of an eight-story building that, when combined with other funding sources, will create 71 units of permanent housing, including 42 units of supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.
- Western NY Veterans’ Housing Coalition, Inc., Buffalo – $1.3 million – This funding will be used to rehabilitate a building the organization currently operates as low-income and homeless veterans housing. Together with other funding sources, this award will preserve 41 units, including 15 units of supportive housing for homeless veterans.
- Cazenovia Recovery Systems, Inc., Buffalo – $4.7 million – This funding will be used to substantially rehabilitate a vacant building and create 23 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals in long-term recovery from substance abuse disorders.
These projects are part of Governor Cuomo’s $20 billion Homelessness and Affordable Housing Action Plan, which includes $10 billion dedicated to creating and preserving 100,000 units of affordable housing and $10 billion devoted to tackling homelessness by developing 6,000 new, permanent supportive housing units. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program is a key part of the Governor’s plan.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, “Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and these projects will provide that and so much more for some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers. We are committed to doing all we can to help carry out the Governor’s comprehensive plan to address homelessness in New York State.”
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “The awards provided through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program will help CAMBA Housing Ventures Inc. build 44 housing units for formerly homeless individuals living with mental illness. We at OMH are proud to work with our colleagues at OTDA, helping to give our most vulnerable neighbors an opportunity to live, and thrive, in their community.”
Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, “Stable, reliable housing is essential for people in recovery from substance use disorders. This project will help ensure those in need have access to important services, and give them an opportunity to rebuild their lives. I thank Governor Cuomo for continuing to work to improve the quality of life for those in recovery, and for all New Yorkers.”
New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Director Eric J. Hesse said, “The sacrifices that our Veterans made in service to our state and country are tremendous. Yet, the transition from military to civilian life is neither short nor easy. As these Veterans continue their journey, Governor Cuomo has ensured that they will have comfortable and safe housing which, is an essential part of starting the process for these Veterans to reintegrate into their communities.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Initiatives like HHAP are so important to breaking the cycle of homelessness. Access to stable housing and quality services will give these individuals the resources they need to achieve independence while simultaneously investing in stronger and more economically vibrant neighborhoods. With this $11.4 million in funding, the Governor has once again shown his commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers who need our help most.”
Senator Chris Jacobs said, “Our veterans deserve a better fate for the sacrifices they have made for our country, and a stable environment is absolutely critical to ensuring a successful recovery for people afflicted by substance abuse. As a long time veteran’s advocate and the Co-Chair of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, I am very pleased by the support of these two very worthwhile projects, and I know that the combined $5 million investment will have a substantial impact.”
Senator Timothy Kennedy said, “I toured the Western NY Veterans Housing Coalition facility at Basilone Manor last year, and saw firsthand the great work being done by their organization, as well as the need for updates to the building. Veterans who fought for our nation deserve a safe place to call home, and this funding will help to ensure that the residents at Basilone Manor have the up-to-date amenities they deserve. With the addition of the new units that will be created by Cazenovia Recovery Systems, this is an exciting announcement for Western New York. Thanks to Governor Cuomo for his leadership, and thank you to these two organizations for their work on behalf of the people of Western New York.”
Senator Jesse Hamilton said, “Tackling our housing crisis requires concerted action across government. That’s why I welcome Governor Cuomo’s announcement today of $11.4 million in state funding of supportive housing, including a $5.5 million investment here in Brooklyn. We need to seek out opportunities to deliver assistance to the most vulnerable communities across Brooklyn, and across our State, attempting to overcome this housing crisis. This investment represents an additional, important step in that direction.”
Assemblymember Sean Ryan said, “Supportive housing strengthens our communities and provides a beacon of hope for those who are facing homelessness and trying to get back on their feet. This important investment from New York State will improve the lives of New Yorkers from Buffalo to Brooklyn. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the legislature and the Governor to make this funding a reality.”
“I’d like to congratulate Western NY Veteran’s Housing Coalition and Cazenovia Recovery Systems for being selected based upon their dedicated service to the community and their ability to continue providing supportive housing for those in need. I’d also like to thank Governor Cuomo and OTDA Commissioner Sam Roberts on making this $6 million available to western New York,” said Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes.
Mayor Byron Brown said, “This is wonderful news for the WNY Veterans Housing Coalition and Cazenovia Recovery Systems, which both work tirelessly to eliminate homelessness in the City of Buffalo. I thank Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. This $6 million will allow these agencies to preserve 41 housing units and create 23 new units of housing for our veterans and individuals in long-term recovery from substance abuse disorders.”
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