State to provide $158M towards housing for homeless

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative will provide $158 million for projects that will house New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and provide supportive services aimed at addressing the root causes of housing instability.

The state also issued two requests for proposals for programs that build and support homeless housing statewide, according to a statement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

HHAP is providing up to $128 million in capital funding for projects that propose to build supportive housing units or to repair emergency shelters, double last year’s allocation. In addition, ESSHI is accepting proposals for up to $30 million for the ongoing services and operation of supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and with special needs, conditions or other life challenges.

“For many who experience homelessness, housing insecurity is only a symptom of an even greater underlying problem,” Cuomo said in the statement. “Projects that address both the shelter and support needs of those experiencing homelessness are at the vanguard of our efforts to ensure all New Yorkers have a safe, stable place to live. These programs represent a crucial investment in our communities and to ensure the most vulnerable among us aren’t left to languish on the streets.”

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program request for proposals can be found at otda.ny.gov/contracts/2020/HHAP.