New York: $6.1 million to repair & preserve homeless housing

State funding to rehabilitate supportive, transitional & emergency housing

Submitted by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) recently announced $6.1 million was awarded to six projects that will rehabilitate and preserve 56 units, consisting of 184 beds, of emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing in Albany, Niagara and Suffolk counties for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness.

“The combination of affordable housing and supportive services is the most effective tool we have in addressing chronic homelessness while ensuring all New Yorkers have an opportunity to live independently and thrive,” OTDA Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, New York state continues to make landmark investments to expand and preserve the supply of permanent supportive housing options across the state, recognizing that stable housing is the foundation for healthier lives and stronger communities.”

The grants – awarded through a competitive process by OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) – are an important component of Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive housing plan that will help create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations. The six projects awarded funding had been constructed with funding previously provided by HHAP.

The state fiscal year 2027 budget includes a $153 million appropriation for HHAP, continuing the $25 million increase in funding from SFY 2026 that Hochul secured for the stabilization of existing HHAP projects that meet certain criteria, to shore up the existing supply of supportive housing units. In addition, for several years, HHAP’s budget has included $1 million in funding set aside for emergency shelter repairs and that funding is again included.

The Western New York project awarded funding include:

•YWCA of the Niagara Frontier (YWCA) – $674,737 in HHAP stabilization funds for the moderate rehabilitation of Carolyn’s House, which provides 19 units/78 beds of transitional housing in Niagara County for women who have experienced homelessness and their children.

This building was originally constructed in 1915 and rehabilitated by HHAP in 2005. Proposed work includes repairing or replacing the roof, elevator, fire system, camera system, two 20-year-old boilers, and carpeting. Support services provided to residents include individualized case management, referrals, legal advocacy, benefits assistance, employment enhancement, parenting assistance, financial literacy training, and life skills management.

YWCA of the Niagara Frontier CEO Kelly DeMatteo said, “We are incredibly grateful for the HHAP award, which will allow us to make important updates to Carolyn’s House in Niagara Falls. This funding helps ensure that the facility remains safe, comfortable and well-maintained for the individuals and families we serve. At the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, we are committed to providing high-quality, supportive housing, and investments like this allow us to preserve and strengthen spaces that are already making a meaningful impact in our community.”