Categories: Funding, New York State
05.19.2017
A historic commitment.
Governor Andrew Cuomo with advocates at the bill signing.
Yesterday Governor Andrew Cuomo, accompanied by Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl Heastie, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera, and Breaking Ground's President and CEO Brenda Rosen, signed a historic bill announcing $2.5 billion for the creation and preservation of 6,000 new units of supportive housing and over 110,000 units of affordable housing over the next five years, in the ballroom of Breaking Ground's The Prince George. This capital funding is the first installment in the Governor's unprecedented commitment to build 20,000 new units of supportive housing over the next fifteen years.
A standing-room-only crowd of advocates, government representatives, and members of the building and construction trades, loudly cheered the Governor as he outlined his vision for a progressive New York, following in the footsteps of FDR, "who said, basically, 'I don't care how those at the top are doing. That's not how we quantify success. It's how the people on the bottom are doing, which really tells you whether or not you are a success.' " Governor Cuomo pointed out that The Prince George, a 402-unit supportive housing residence that had been a former welfare hotel, is a model of "exactly what we should be doing" - investing in quality supportive housing.
"Providing New Yorkers with truly affordable housing has long been a cornerstone for the New York State Assembly Majority's Families First agenda," said Speaker Heastie. "The cost of living in New York has left many of our most vulnerable residents homeless or in jeopardy of homelessness and this legislation will help us stem the tide and make meaningful change in our communities. Safe, secure, and affordable housing is essential to our communities, and I would like to give special thanks to Assemblymember Cymbrowitz, chair of the Housing Committee, and to all the Assembly Majority for their continued commitment to this issue."
Network Executive Director Laura Mascuch said "With this funding, New York State has demonstrated a historic commitment to those in our state who are most vulnerable. This funding is a powerful investment in the lives of homeless New Yorkers who long for a safe and affordable place to live where they can take care of themselves and their families and fully contribute to their communities. The supportive housing community congratulates Governor Cuomo for his vision and leadership in enacting a bold supportive and affordable housing program."