New York State Announces $2.2 Million to Help Upgrade Homeless Shelters in Erie and Suffolk Counties

Stabilization Funding to Rehabilitate an Existing Domestic Violence Shelter in Buffalo

Health and Safety Improvements Planned for Two Shelters in Suffolk County for Families with Children 

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced that $2.2 million has been awarded to help extend the life of a homeless shelter in Erie County and two shelters in Suffolk County. The funding was awarded by OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.

“Governor Hochul recognizes the importance of addressing the housing crisis, and our agency’s work to help protect the health and well-being of families and individuals residing in emergency or transitional shelter is a fundamental part of these efforts,” OTDA Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “This funding will help with needed repairs and rehabilitation work that will enable these shelters to remain safe and viable options for New Yorkers facing homelessness with nowhere else to turn.”

The grants were awarded through a competitive process by OTDA's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP). The State Budget includes $153 million annually for HHAP, including $25 million set aside for the stabilization of existing HHAP projects that meet certain criteria, to extend the life of these important community resources. In addition, for several years, HHAP's budget has included $1 million in funding set aside for emergency shelter repairs.

Child and Family Services of Erie County has been awarded $1.9 million for the rehabilitation of its Haven House Shelter, which includes 21 units/55 beds of emergency and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and their families. The funding will support the replacement of the roof, selective exterior masonry repair and lintel replacement, full renovation of 16 bathrooms, the installation of an additional hot water heater, and other work.

Family Services League, Inc. has been awarded $150,000 for its Brentwood Family Shelter, and $74,394 for its Terryville Shelter.

The Brentwood Family Shelter provides 102 units/416 beds of emergency housing. The funding will be used for roof repairs and replacing the flooring in the 102 client rooms. These repairs will help ensure the building meets code requirements and prevent more long-term erosion.

The Terryville Shelter provides six units/24 beds of emergency housing. The funding will be used for repairing and repainting the building’s exterior and patching and sealing the driveway.

Child and Family Services of Erie County President & CEO Elizabeth McPartland said, “This funding is a critical investment in the future of Haven House and the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families. The shelter provides refuge for anyone fleeing domestic violence; maintaining a safe, secure and functional building is essential to our work. We are very grateful to HHAP for recognizing the importance of preserving this resource for our community.”

Family Services League CEO Kerri Smith said, “When individuals and families experience homelessness, access to safe, reliable emergency housing is a critical need. These funds help ensure that our doors stay open, our buildings meet the highest safety standards, and our residents have a secure, welcoming environment as they work to rebuild their lives.”