$440M for homeless
Albany bid to face crisis
ALBANY — State leaders have agreed on a package in the emerging state budget to address the growing homelessness crisis with a $440 million funding infusion over the next four years, the Daily News has learned.
The budget “will prevent thousands of individuals and children from entering the homeless shelter system,” said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, the Queens Democrat who chairs the chamber’s Social Services Committee.
The plan earmarks $220 million over four years that the governor originally proposed for rental subsidies for domestic violence victims, seniors and working families who can’t afford rent.
Also included is $15 million for a pilot project designed to prevent evictions by increasing housing allowances — some of which haven’t gone up since 2003, Assembly Dems say.
There’s also another $40 million in new funding for rental subsidies that Assembly Democrats say are needed to help stem the flow of people into homeless shelters.
Pop star Miley Cyrus will also be happy, as state leaders agreed to spend $4.5 million on a program targeting runaway and homeless youth. The News recently reported that Cyrus had sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo asking for the funding, which had been proposed by legislative Democrats.
In addition, $1 million has been earmarked for emergency homeless needs and $34.2 million for shelter, transitional housing and homelessness prevention programs.
The News reported in February that the city’s homeless population reached a record 59,068, including 25,000 children. That’s up 10% since Mayor de Blasio took office in 2014.
“This is nearly $440 million in critical resources to combat these record levels of homelessness and prevent more families from being displaced,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said.
The plan also puts $124.5 million toward a program that would provide services allowing individuals to live independently in housing outside the homeless shelter system.
The money would cover 5,000 units, far fewer than the 12,000 de Blasio says is needed in the city. One item not expected in the final budget is Cuomo’s call for a minimum-wage hike, which the Senate GOP would not support.