Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $1 Million In Emergency Funding For Public Housing Authorities Across New York

U.S. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,161,357 in FY 2020 allocations for the Capital Fund for Emergency Safety and Security, which sets aside funds for Public Housing Authorities to confront an emergency situation or natural disaster. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will help local New York PHAs increase health and safety measures for public housing residents through the purchase of security equipment, surveillance cameras, lighting, and carbon monoxide detectors. 

“Every New Yorker deserves a safe and secure place to call home, and this federal investment helps public housing authorities get one step closer to achieving that goal,” said Senator Schumer. “As thousands of New Yorkers face economic insecurities, we need to do all we can to support affordable housing, especially for our most vulnerable residents. Access to safe and reliable housing will determine whether or not New York can effectively recover and thrive post-pandemic. I will always fight tirelessly for resources that keep New Yorkers safe, especially during these critical times.” 

“Safe, affordable, and reliable housing should be available for all New Yorkers regardless of their socioeconomic status,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal investment is a lifeline for communities drained by the pandemic and will help PHAs across NYS uphold safety standards. I will continue to fight for funding that our state desperately needs to improve public housing and that helps ensure low-income individuals have access to safe and secure shelter.

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have been long-standing advocates for affordable housing. Last March, Schumer and Gillibrand delivered $2.4 billion in federal funding for economic development and public infrastructure through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as part of the coronavirus stimulus package. The senators have also secured various other federal investments such as NeighborWorks America grants to bring local solutions to affordable housing challenges across the state of New York. Earlier this year, Senator Gillibrand sent a letter calling for the full funding of the Community Development Block (CDBG) program, which funds local community development initiatives that support jobs, housing, infrastructure, and public services for millions of Americans. Additionally, the senator called for $5 billion to be included for the Public Housing Capital Fund in the Fiscal Year 2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. 

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