Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced additional capital funding in the 2014–2015 executive budget for homeless housing.
The $63 million in total, up from $30 million, will add an additional 1,030 new units for homeless families and individuals. The aim is to increase supportive housing programs, Cuomo stated on Feb. 4.
“My administration is actively working to expand the state’s capacity to meet the needs of this vulnerable population and support these essential housing projects,” Cuomo stated. More than doubling the amount of HHAP [Homeless Housing and Assistance Program] funding is just one way in which we are improving struggling communities and helping to break the cycle of homelessness in New York.”
The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program will use the funds, which are administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
HHAP has helped fund 1,500 units in the past three years with an additional 2,000 still being developed.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New York had the highest increase in homelessness from 2012 to 2013, as well as the highest increase since 2007 of all the states.
