Awards Support Governor Hochul's Historic $25 Billion, Five-Year Plan to Build or Preserve 10,000 Units of Supportive Housing

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 125 conditional awards for annual funding to provide services and operating expenses for up to 5,000 units of supportive housing to serve older adults, survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, veterans and chronically homeless families as well as individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder, among others. The 125 conditional awards through the seventh round of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative will fund supportive housing in 35 counties and allow recipients to secure separate capital funding to finance housing projects.

"All New Yorkers should have a safe, affordable place to call home, especially the most vulnerable among us," Governor Hochul said. "The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative continues to be a critical component in our efforts to address the root causes of housing instability and providing those who experience homelessness with the services they can rely on to live safely in independent settings."

The conditional awards for services and operating expenses are contingent on a project securing the means for new construction, the adaptive reuse of non-residential property, or the rehabilitation of unregulated residential property to create integrated affordable supportive housing. The first projects to meet the capital conditions of their award are expected to result in as many as 1,400 new supportive housing units this year, generating as much as $30 million in operating awards.

The conditional awards will be used to provide rental assistance and services to eligible target populations to ensure their housing stability. Since its inception, the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative has provided operating funding for more than 7,400 units serving vulnerable populations.

The initiative provides operating funding for supportive service providers serving homeless veterans and their families; survivors of domestic and gender-based violence; seniors or frail elderly; young adults with a history of incarceration, homelessness, or foster care; chronically homeless individuals and families; individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; individuals reentering the community from prison; and those living with HIV or AIDS, serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The state Office of Mental Health serves as the lead procurement agency for the funding, which is dispersed by an interagency workgroup of eight state agencies serving vulnerable New Yorkers

Funding awarded through the initiative may be used for rental assistance and services to eligible target populations to ensure their housing stability. Permissible uses include rental subsidies and other occupancy costs; services or staff to identify and locate eligible individuals that need housing; primary and behavioral health services; employment and vocational training; educational assistance, parenting skills development and support; child care assistance counseling and crisis intervention; children's services, including educational advocacy, support and counseling; and costs associated with services that help individuals and families remain stably housed.

Research has shown that permanent supportive housing reduces the demand for shelters, hospital beds, emergency rooms, prisons, and jails, in addition to having a positive effect on employment, school attendance, and mental and physical wellbeing. Supportive housing projects can also positively impact neighborhoods through new construction or by rehabilitating existing buildings.

Projects may receive up to $25,000 per unit per year for service and operating funding needed to operate permanent supportive housing units. Recipients are expected to secure separate capital funding to finance the development and construction of their housing project.

The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative is an important component of Governor Hochul's bold statewide plan to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In this year's State Budget, Governor Hochul secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase the housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Governor Hochul's commitment to behavioral healthcare and to supportive housing has allowed thousands of individuals and families to receive the services they need while living in their own homes. Safe and dignified housing will give people living with mental illness and other behavioral health issues the stability and support they need for a successful recovery."

Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, "The ESSHI awards are continuing to allow us to reach even more New Yorkers in need across the State. We know that housing is critical to promoting an individual's overall health and well-being. Governor Hochul's ongoing commitment to ensuring access to supportive housing is crucial to OASAS' efforts to provide a full range of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services. Through a full continuum of care and programming, we are meeting people where they are and helping them achieve their personal health and recovery goals."

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kerri Neifeld said, "Having a place to call home within the community can make a world of difference for someone with a developmental disability, allowing for greater independence and inclusion while still receiving necessary supports. Thanks to Governor Hochul and the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative for these residential opportunities that will transform lives and enrich our communities."

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "This $30 million in ESSHI awards is an example of Governor Hochul's steadfast commitment to increasing housing supply and providing inclusive housing opportunities that allow homeless and vulnerable New Yorkers to live safely and independently. The latest round of awards will create up to 1,400 supportive homes with life-changing services that offer the chance at a brighter, more stable future for people in all corners of the State."

Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, "Without access to safe and affordable housing, victims of gender-based violence often have to choose between homelessness and a lifetime of abuse. The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative addresses this critical need and creates the opportunity for more victims to transition to a life of freedom. I am honored to serve a Governor who understands the intersection between housing stability and gender-based violence and supports survivor-centered initiatives that prioritize safety."

Office of Children and Family Services Acting Commissioner Suzanne Miles-Gustave said, "I commend Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to uplifting the State's most vulnerable children, families and communities. Safe, secure and supportive housing provides the stability necessary for New Yorkers of all ages to connect with vital community services, pursue new educational and employment opportunities and live with a stronger sense of independence. This public-private partnership is critical to helping families and communities facing unique challenges thrive in ways that simply would not be possible without these life-changing supports."

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Access to a healthy living environment can dramatically alter an individual's health outcomes. I applaud Governor Hochul for the State's continued support of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and this new, $30 million annual investment which will establish 1,400 units of supportive housing and services across 35 counties. This funding will directly ensure more New Yorkers who are homeless, battling substance use, or facing other physical or mental health challenges have the stable housing and quality supports they deserve."

State Senator Samra Brouk said, "I’m pleased that Governor Hochul is investing in supportive housing options across New York, including right here in the Greater Rochester Area. Supportive housing plays an important role in New York’s mental health infrastructure, and I look forward to advocating for additional investments in our state’s mental health systems and workforce."

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "This funding will make a tremendous difference in helping formerly homeless families and individuals rebuild their lives and address the underlying challenges that may have contributed to them experiencing homelessness. Governor Hochul's commitment to supportive housing is ensuring some of our most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers have a safe and affordable place to live and is helping to transform lives."

Assemblymember Aileen Gunther said, "I am happy to see New York state investing in such a vital resource for New York's most vulnerable residents. Housing is a human right, and the funding announced today will help those struggling to find a place to live, receive services for special needs, and address mental health issues throughout the state. We need to continue our commitment to helping those who need it most, and ensure that supportive housing is accessible and available everywhere in New York."