New York announces $16.4 million in homelessness aid

‘Solutions to End Homelessness’ program helps New Yorkers find or maintain stable housing

Earlier this week, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced $16.4 million in annual funding for 64 nonprofit organizations and local government entities throughout the state to assist individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless or those experiencing homelessness. The “Solutions to End Homelessness” program provides funding to help New Yorkers avoid eviction, secure permanent housing, and receive services that can help them on the path to stability.

“We have an obligation to extend a helping hand to those at risk of losing, or who have already lost, their housing,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Mike Hein. “The ‘Solutions to End Homelessness’ program provides vital support to organizations that are helping so many New Yorkers overcome housing instability. Under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s leadership, New York remains committed to confronting the root causes of homelessness and helping those in need onto a path toward a brighter future.”

Program funding can be used for street outreach to help those experiencing homelessness receive assistance; supportive services or operating expenses at emergency drop-in centers or overnight shelters; certain costs associated with transitional housing; and rapid rehousing for homeless families or individuals or survivors of domestic violence. The grants can also fund programs designed to prevent homelessness by assisting eligible persons and families in maintaining their permanent housing.

In total, there were 67 grants awarded. Find a full list of recipients here.

Established in 2012, the program is supported through a mix of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and New York state homeless assistance funds. Each award provides five years of funding for the recipient organization.

Through collaborative efforts across state government, New York has undertaken a multifaceted approach to address homelessness statewide that includes increased capital construction, improved service delivery and innovative policy approaches. New York recognizes the causes of homelessness are complex and a comprehensive approach is needed to help families and individuals avoid housing instability.

A key component of Cuomo’s plan to combat homelessness is a $20 billion, five-year investment to support homeless services and the creation or preservation of more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing.

Among other efforts, the governor also directed a significant expansion of state oversight of emergency homeless shelters to ensure they are clean, safe and well-maintained. Additionally, a statewide Code Blue policy was implemented to protect vulnerable homeless individuals during periods of cold weather.

Local fund recipients include:

•Gerard Place Housing Development, $215,404; for prevention in Erie County.

•YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, $39,281; for transitional housing for domestic violence victims in Niagara County.