Upwards of $35 million in funding will be available through the sixth round of funding in the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), Governor Andrew Cuomo announced this week.

 "New York is a national leader in addressing homelessness and through our historic $20 billion housing plan, we are helping ensure that individuals and families statewide have access to a safe and stable home of their own," said Cuomo in a prepared statement. "This latest round of funding will ensure the continued operation of these critical supportive housing developments throughout the state and help guarantee that the most vulnerable among us receive the resources, hope and opportunities they need to change their lives."

The ESSHI program, which launched in 2016 as part of Cuomo's $20 billion housing plan, has provided operating and service funds for more than 5,400 supportive housing units to date.  The latest round of funding is expected to serve a minimum of 1,400 supportive housing units, with grants of up to $25,000 per supportive housing unit per year.  However, applicants will be required to fund construction costs for their supportive housing projects through alternate sources.

While the Office of Mental Health is the lead procurement agency for requests for proposals through the ESSHI program, applications for funding will be accepted for proposals that address a wide array of needs beyond mental health.  Potential uses include:

  • Rental subsidies and other occupancy costs;    
  • Services or staff to identify and locate eligible individuals that need housing;    
  • Primary and behavioral health services;    
  • Employment and vocational training and/or assistance;    
  • Educational assistance, including high school equivalency diploma support;    
  • Parenting skills development and support;    
  • Child care assistance;    
  • Counseling and crisis intervention;    
  • Children's services, including educational advocacy, support and counseling; and    
  • Costs associated with services and/or staff that help individuals and families remain stably housed, including housing counselors or specialists, and employment counseling.