Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,066,776 in federal funding to the Unity House of Troy, Inc. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Violence Against Women Act and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (VAWA/HOPWA). The Unity House of Troy will receive $869,257 through HOPWA and another $197,519 through the transitional Housing Assistance Program. Funds will provide 15 households per year with tenant-based rental assistance, 5 households per year with short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance, and 8 households per year with permanent housing placement assistance in Albany and Rensselaer counties.
“Domestic and dating violence is never acceptable and we must do all we can to both prevent it in the first place and take care of those who are victimized by it. Fortunately, there are organizations like Unity House of Troy, Inc. dedicated to providing housing and short-term rental assistance to victims so we can help those affected back on their feet,” said Senator Schumer. “I will continue doing everything I can to ensure organizations like these have the resources they need to combat these horrible crimes.”
“This critical federal funding will help the Unity House of Troy facilitate a wide range of programs to better assist domestic violence survivors within the LGBT community, particularly those living with HIV and AIDS,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Domestic violence is a serious problem and we need to work towards creating a safe environment for individuals and families. By increasing accessibility to housing services for survivors we can help provide the support and resources they need to be protected and put their lives back together.”
“We are honored to receive these funds which will allow us to prevent homelessness for people with HIV/AIDS who are victims of domestic violence. We know that the people facing these two public health issues also face stigma and fear, and this grant will allow us to reach and serve them. Unity House is uniquely qualified to participate in the pilot because of the array of services we offer,” said Christopher Burke, CEO of Unity House of Troy.
Additional support services will also include case management, safety planning, personal and systems advocacy, employment services, transportation, and nutrition services. Unity House will be partnering with the Corporation for AIDS Research, Education, and Services (CARES) to focus on bringing together HIV/AIDS housing and service providers, domestic violence service providers, and homeless shelters throughout the region to develop screening, recordkeeping and referral methods that protect client confidentiality and safety.
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