New York State Announces $1.8 Million to Repair and Preserve Homeless Housing Across the State

State Funding Will Rehabilitate Emergency and Supportive Housing in Albany and Broome Counties

Supplements New York State's Ongoing Efforts to Address Homelessness and Expand Permanent Supportive Housing Options Across the State

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced $1.8 million has been awarded to two projects that will rehabilitate and preserve 25 units, consisting of 58 beds, of emergency and permanent supportive housing in Albany and Broome counties for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness.

“Emergency and supportive housing are two of our most important tools in addressing homelessness in our state,” New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s investments in these projects will fund critical repairs and rehabilitation that will help ensure these projects remain vital resources for the populations they serve for years to come. We are grateful to our partners for their dedication and leadership in developing and sustaining these projects and to Governor Hochul for continuing to prioritize funding for the creation and preservation of supportive, transitional, and emergency housing across New York State.”

The grants—awarded through a competitive process by OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP)—are an important component of Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will help create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations. The two projects awarded funding had been constructed with funding previously provided by HHAP.

The SFY 2026 State Budget included a $153 million appropriation for HHAP, including a $25 million increase in funding Governor Hochul secured for the stabilization of existing HHAP projects that meet certain criteria, to shore up the existing supply of supportive housing units. Building upon the enhanced investment included in the FY 2026 Budget, Governor Hochul’s SFY 2027 Executive Budget includes another $25 million in supplemental resources for the preservation and stabilization of older HHAP units. In addition, for several years, HHAP’s budget has included $1 million in funding set aside for emergency shelter repairs.

The projects awarded funding include:

Capital District

IPH - $389,000 to rehabilitate 13 units/30 beds of emergency housing for homeless individuals at IPH’s South Ferry House in Albany. The project proposes the repairs of the interior and exterior of the building including the purchase and installation of a generator, new windows, flooring, lockers, kitchen equipment, as well as bathroom repairs and shower replacements.

Support services include wrap-around case management, referrals for health and mental health care, and assistance securing permanent housing. 

Southern Tier

Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango (GOBC) - $1.4 million in HHAP stabilization funds to rehabilitate 12 units/28 beds of permanent supportive housing in Binghamton for homeless individuals and families at GOBC’s existing project at 85 Liberty Street.

The work includes the repair of the original brick façade, replacement of all existing teak boards on the front and rear porches with durable, low-maintenance PVC decking, and replacement of galvanized steel stairwells and railings with corrosion-resistant materials to ensure long-term safety. Rear porches on the third and fourth floors will undergo full decking replacement and railing upgrades.

Support services include case management, substance use counseling, recovery support, money management training, and referrals to health clinics.

IPH Chief Operating Officer Kristen Giroux said, “IPH is incredibly fortunate to have received HHAP stabilization funding to upgrade some key features at our South Ferry House emergency shelter. This funding will allow us to improve the safety and security of our facility and ensure a continued sense of dignity and comfort for our guests. We are excited to get started on the upgrades, which include new flooring, a generator, upgraded kitchen appliances, new windows, upgraded bathrooms, and new storage lockers.”

Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango (GOBC) Chief Executive Officer Mark Silvanic said, “Funding like this is absolutely vital as we work to meet the rising demand for safe and affordable housing in our community. With NYS OTDA’s support, we’re able to make real progress toward creating opportunities and stability for those who need it most. This award brings us closer to our vision of a thriving Binghamton where everyone has a place to call home.”