Gov. Kathy Hochul has allocated $50 million for antipoverty programming, which is now being utilized by community-based groups across upstate New York. 

Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse will invest the money, which was included in the FY 2025 Budget, to bring resources to help families living in poverty increase earnings and improve family well-being.

“Every family should have the opportunity to grow and thrive in New York, and I’m committed to delivering the resources to make that a reality,” Gov. Hochul said. “As the first Governor from Upstate New York in nearly a century, I know many of our neighbors struggle to make ends meet. Working together, we’re going to fight poverty and lift up the families who need it most.”

The Monroe County Department of Human Services will use $25 million to implement three targeted strategies, including a monthly cash incentive program for pregnant women who agree to participate in activities that support maternal health, as well as rental subsidy and upward mobility mentoring programs.

The Onondaga County Department of Social Services will use $12.5 million to focus on addressing generational poverty, promoting housing stability, improving school attendance rates and distributing free diapers to families that are eligible for Temporary Assistance.

“Poverty is a reality that affects the lives of far too many children and their families, limiting their opportunities and potential," New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. "Research shows that the focused support and assistance contained in these locally-driven anti-poverty initiatives—from rental subsidies, maternal health support, financial coaching, school attendance incentives, to cash assistance—are effective at improving family well-being and the economic security of children and families. We look forward to the implementation of these programs in Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse and are grateful to Governor Hochul for prioritizing an agenda that uplifts working families and makes our state more livable and affordable for all New Yorkers.”

The Erie County Department of Social Services will use $12.5 million to support upward mobility for TANF-eligible families experiencing poverty who reside in the city of Buffalo.