Categories: New York State
11.06.2015
Widespread call for more supportive housing units statewide.
From left: Rochester City Councilman Michael Patterson, Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, Assembly Member Harry Bronson, State Senator Rich Funke.
Virtually every area dignitary -- Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, State Senator Rich Funke, Assembly Member Harry Bronson, Rochester City Councilman Michael Patterson, and Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development for the City of Rochester, Kate Washington -- joined economic development organizations, local businesses and community leaders for a news conference October 22 calling for the creation of 35,000 supportive housing units statewide.
The event was held at DePaul's award-winning Carriage Factory Apartments -- the former carriage (then automobile then airplane) factory that the nonprofit Depaul developed into a beautiful mixed use supportive housing residence last year.
Senator Funke put the matter succinctly: "Homelessness remains a challenge in our region and communities like it across New York. One of the best ways to improve outcomes for our most at-risk residents is to give them the tools they need to obtain safe, secure, and stable housing. That is why I'm proud to join the call for more supportive housing units statewide. The bottom line is supportive housing makes our community safer, better protects taxpayers, and creates local jobs along the way.
"A safe, stable and affordable place to call home is a critical component to helping families and individuals most in need achieve the promise of economic mobility," said Assembly Majority Leader Morelle. "Unfortunately, the number of low-income families unable to secure affordable housing continues to rise, further threatening the stability of communities across New York State and highlighting the need to increase funding for housing programs. I call on my partners in government to join me in recognizing and responding to this critical need."
"Housing is a basic necessity, something many of us take for granted. But unfortunately, too many families are struggling to find safe, affordable homes," said Assembly Member Bronson. "I was proud to join my colleagues in this year's budget investing in our communities and expanding affordable housing options including right here in Rochester at the Carriage Factory in the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood."
Other press conference participants included Alma Balonon-Rosen, Director of Relationship Management, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., Kristin Miller, Director of CSH, Barbara Hoffman of the Freedom Way Business Association, Dawn Noto, President of the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association and Carriage House Apartments resident, Roderick Harrison.
The event was covered by:
WROC-ROC (CBS), Rochester, NY
Time Warner Cable News, Rochester, NY
Minority Reporter
Democrat & Chronicle