SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.1 MILLION IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDING FOR ITHACA

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,117,312 in federal funding for the City of Ithaca. The funding was allocated through two U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and will be used to support various housing and economic development initiatives that address homelessness and help low-income individuals in need. $675,538 was allocated through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and $441,774 was allocated through HUD’s HOME program.

“One homeless family is one too many, and we must do everything we can to help provide those truly in need with a place to live,” saidSenator Schumer. “By supporting its affordable housing initiatives and helping it identify economic development opportunities for individuals seeking meaningful employment, this federal funding will help the City of Ithaca in its efforts to house the homelessness. This is an investment in the City of Ithaca’s residents who are most in need and in the City’s future overall.”

“Access to stable housing is essential for the health of our families and the economic strength of our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding is a major investment for Ithaca and will help bridge the gap in quality housing for more residents in need.”

"The funding that the City of Ithaca receives through the CDBG and HOME programs is absolutely critical to our ability to address local community needs", noted Mayor Svante Myrick.  "The projects we are funding this year include everything from job training programs and support for local businesses who are creating new jobs, to repair and rehabilitation assistance for homeowners and security deposit assistance for renters.  Ithaca is a fantastic place to live, but it's an expensive place to live, and this funding from HUD really helps us address that affordability gap for some of our residents."  

Community Development Block Grants are provided to state and local governments to help expand economic opportunities, provide decent housing and suitable living environments for low-to-moderate income individuals; and the HOME program provides state and local governments with resources to fund housing programs that cater to local needs.

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