Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Housing Committee Chair Keith L.T. Wright and Social Services Committee Chair Andrew Hevesi today announced the Assembly's SFY 2016-17 budget proposal that will help hardworking New Yorkers stay in their homes and help communities provide resources to prevent homelessness and support those living in or transitioning from homelessness.

"The housing crisis is affecting so many New Yorkers. Near-record numbers are homeless, many are faced with losing their homes or living in housing that is in desperate need of repair. Meanwhile, thousands of families remain on waiting lists for affordable housing," said Heastie. "That's why the Assembly's proposed budget includes a five-year housing plan to help families remain in their homes and expand affordable housing programs to deliver funding to prevent and reduce homelessness."

The Assembly's proposed budget appropriates the $2.5 billion over five years to help revitalize and expand affordable housing in the state. The appropriations include:

• $500 million, $100 million per year, for NYCHA capital repairs;
• $250 million, $50 million per year, for the repair and revitalization of Mitchell-Lama properties;
• $150 million, $30 million per year, for a senior affordable housing program;
• $125 million, $25 million per year, for a State version of the Federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8);
• $125 million, $25 million per year, for a foreclosure prevention program;
• $125 million, $25 million per year, for the Low Income Housing Trust Fund; and
• $50 million, $10 million per year, for Public Housing Modernization

Assemblymember Wright said, "In continuing our commitment to providing safe, affordable and accessible housing to millions of New Yorkers, the Assembly has appropriated $2.5 billion over five years to make much needed improvements to Mitchell-Lama properties, provide affordable senior housing, help prevent foreclosures, and improve the housing crisis facing communities across the State. This long-term investment will help stem the tide of rising housing costs, keep New York residents in their homes and provide affordable housing options for those who need it most."

In its continued effort to prevent homelessness and make sure that every New Yorker has a place to call home, the Assembly has designated the following funds:

• An increase of $9.5 million for the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) and Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP);
• $50 million for the emergency shelter capital to address needed upgrades and repairs in shelters throughout the state, including enhanced security;
• $30 million over two years to support scatter site supportive housing units in upstate; and
• $44 million to authorize rental subsidies through the Family Eviction Prevention Supplement to allow a maximum subsidy equivalent to the HUD Fair Market Rent in NYC, and to assist survivors of domestic violence facing eviction or homelessness.

"Although many New Yorkers facing homelessness are simply struggling to find affordable housing, there are still many others that struggle because they are coping with underlying issues such as mental illness, substance abuse or chronic illnesses that make their situation even more challenging," said Assemblymember Hevesi. "That is why the Assembly has chosen to address this crisis more comprehensively by including funding for supportive housing for those facing such hurdles."

In recognition of the need for supportive housing across New York State, the Assembly has allocated the following funds in its proposed budget:

• $500 million over five years to construct 6,000 new supportive housing units;
• $100 million over five years for the capital costs of housing for the developmentally disabled; and
• $20 million over the first two years for HIV/AIDS rental assistance and housing support.