New York has awarded $31.5 million to seven projects in order to expand and build permanent supportive housing units across the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office announced Tuesday.
The projects are meant to provide for more affordable housing in New York and reduce homelessness. All told, the money is expected to create 332 units that will serve older New Yorkers as well as people who have a history of substance use disorder, people with developmental disabilities or those facing severe mental illness.
"All New Yorkers deserve access to safe, affordable housing, and it is crucial to provide them with critical resources and amenities needed in the long term," Hochul said. "By implementing these strategic investments in supportive housing, we will help our state address the root causes of housing insecurity and ensure those that need help will have access to support networks they can rely on for stability. As we remain laser-focused on building back New York better and stronger than before, we will continue taking aggressive action to help ensure every community has access to the services they need to thrive."
State lawmakers and Hochul earlier this year agreed to a $25 billion plan that will fund supportive housing projects over the next five years. The goal is to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes in New York, including 10,000 units with supportive services for people who in vulnerable populations.
At the same time, officials want to electrify 50,000 of those homes.
The state budget included $128 million in capital funding for the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program that will provide for supportive housing or repair existing emergency shelters.