Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Louise Slaughter today announced $11,295,796 in federal funding for the City of Rochester. The funding was allocated through four U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant programs and will be used to support various housing and economic development initiatives that address homelessness and help low-income individuals in need. The City of Rochester will receive $7,963,860 through the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG), $666,000 through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, $1,978,236 through the HOME program and $687,700 through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.
“This federal funding is essential in making sure that individuals throughout Rochester have access to affordable, quality housing. As a result of this funding, more people will be able to sleep with a roof over their head,” said Senator Schumer. “CDBG is one of the most important federal programs we have, and I will continue to fight to make sure as much funding as possible comes to Rochester.”
“Access to stable housing is essential for the health of our families and the economic strength of our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding is a major investment into the community of Rochester and will help bridge the gap in quality housing for more residents in need.”
“By increasing our investment in affordable housing and economic opportunities, we can help to break the cycle of poverty and empower citizens to improve their lives and get ahead,” Rep. Slaughter said. “Not only are these initiatives important to Americans who have fallen on hard times, but they are an effective way to stimulate the entire local economy and spur job creation. I am especially proud to support the Community Development Block Grants program, which is one of the most important programs local governments can use to tackle serious challenges facing their communities.”
“I would like to thank our Washington delegation once again for their support,” said Mayor Lovely A. Warren, City of Rochester. “CDBG funds, in particular, support our neighborhoods at the grassroots-level and provide the essential building blocks for a strong community.”
Community Development Block Grants are provided to state and local governments to help expand economic opportunities, provide decent housing and suitable living environments for low-to-moderate income individuals; Emergency Solutions Grants are used to assist homeless individuals through the creation and operation of homeless shelters; the HOME program provides state and local governments with resources to fund housing programs that cater to local needs; and the HOPWA program helps state and local governments, as well as nonprofits provide housing assistance and resources to low-income individuals diagnosed with HIV and AIDS.