Albany, NY – June 17, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Commissioner David A. Hansell recently announced $80 million in funding for housing programming for residents of New York State at the Supportive Housing Network of NY’s 9th Annual New York State Supporting Housing Conference in New York City.
“Housing, particularly supportive housing, is a critical and fundamental component in the system of benefits and supports, the goal of which is to assist vulnerable populations and progress them along the continuum from homelessness and poverty toward the highest level of self-reliance and economic independence,” said Commissioner Hansell.
Commissioner Hansell made the announcement during a plenary session at the conference that included State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Michael F. Hogan, New York City Human Resources Administration Commissioner Robert Doar, and New York City Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Robert V. Hess.
The 2009-10 State Budget maintains the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) at its traditional funding level of $30 million and includes significant increases in the appropriations of several key housing programs, including an additional $800,000 in the Single Room Occupancy Support Services Program (SRO), $1 million in the Supplemental Homelessness Intervention Program (SHIP) and $1 million in the Emergency Needs for the Homeless Program (ENHP).
The federal economic stimulus package included $25.5 million for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing program (HPRP), the Commissioner noted. The funding is being distributed through an RFP that was recently released.
Commissioner Hansell also announced that to help housing providers utilize multiple funding streams most effectively and strategically, OTDA is launching an open, rolling RFP process for HHAP, which will soon be published on the OTDA website.
OTDA has also made it a priority to maintain the stock of existing supportive housing, primarily through the SRO Supportive Services Program. OTDA will soon make long-awaited funding awards for this program, totaling $20.88 million, which includes the $800,000 increase. The increase will not only allow existing programs to be renewed, but to fund some additional programs.
In addition, the Commissioner also announced a total of $2.8 million for housing related services for persons with AIDS/HIV, including housing for the homeless with HIV, project and tenant based rental assistance, supportive services, short term rent or mortgage payments, and technical assistance in establishing community residence.
More information on the RFPs mentioned here can be found at www.otda.state.ny.us/main/cgo/procurement_bid.htm.
