Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,410,944 in federal funding for New York City. The funding was allocated through two U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. $1,980,377 was allocated through HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program and $1,430,567 was allocated through HUD’s Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program. Both the New York City Housing Authority and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development will receive funding from both programs to carryout services and provide housing vouchers for citizens in need.
“One homeless veteran is one too many, and we must do everything to help provide our heroes with a comfortable place to live,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will help homeless veterans and their families find affordable housing in New York’s expensive housing market and meaningful employment. Our veterans willingly sacrificed life and limb for our country and this investment will provide them with the services they need to build a life here in New York.”
“Every veteran in New York City deserves to have a safe quality place to live,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help our veterans and homeless families get the resources and assistance they need so they can have a safe place to call home and are able to gain additional skills so they can find good-paying jobs. This kind of investment will help keep more New Yorkers and their families off the streets.”
“I am thankful to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for truly being allies in our aggressive quest for additional funding sources towards implementing a citywide operation that truly serves New Yorkers in need of stable housing,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With these funding, we will be better able to meet the goals of our Housing New York Plan and improve the quality of life of two vulnerable populations with supportive services essential to their well-being so they can develop their full potential to care for their families and contribute to the growth of our city.”
HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program provides housing vouchers and a range of support services for homeless veterans and their families. HUD’s Family Self Sufficiency program assists local social services agencies, community colleges, businesses and other local organizations in providing education and job training in order to help those participating in HUD’s housing voucher program and living in public housing gain marketable jobs skills. This program will help those utilizing housing assistance programs gain the education and skills needed to find and retain good jobs and become self-sufficient.