| Advocates, Legislators Press for Affordable Housing Funds |
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| Thursday, 20 August 2009 16:08 |
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Advocates and State Legislators gathered at New York City Hall yesterday to press for creation of an Empire State Housing Investment Fund aimed at preserving and developing affordable homes as well as allocation of $500 million in the 2010-11 capital budget for affordable housing programs.
Assembly Member Vito Lopez announced that he would introduce legislation for both purposes. The proposed Assembly legislation would mirror Senate legislation (S-5727) introduced by State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr.
Lopez was joined by representatives of affordable housing groups throughout New York State – marking the first time a widely diverse group of New York housing advocates have united across regional and constituent lines. Among the groups represented were Habitat for Humanity – New York City, the Empire State Housing Alliance, Housing First!, New York State Rural Housing Coalition, PUSH Buffalo, New York State Association for Affordable Housing, Supportive Housing Network of New York and the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development, among many others.
“New York State is facing an unprecedented affordable housing crisis,” said Lopez. “ The State has an obligation to help create units for those most in need, be it seniors or returning veterans. I stand here today to ask Governor Paterson to include $500 million in the 2010-11 budget for affordable housing. This program would create thousands of units and put many unemployed New Yorkers back to work.”
“The Housing Investment Fund will provide a permanent stream to fund affordable housing units. This fund is critical due to its flexibility, income targeting, and ability to support the creation of local housing trust funds,” Lopez added.
“Investing in affordable housing stimulates local economies, creates jobs and provides a platform for hardworking families to prosper,” said Josh Lockwood, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity – New York City. “According to a National Association of Home Builders’ report 1.51 jobs are created for every new multifamily apartment and 3.24 jobs are created for every single-family home.”
“As he has for many years, Assembly Member Lopez is again demonstrating leadership in highlighting the return-on-investment that New York State realizes from constructing new affordable homes for families that need them,” said Habitat-NYC Director of Advocacy Paige Bellenbaum.
“Providing additional capital funds for housing is an essential component of our efforts to not only provide much needed affordable housing for low income and working families, but it is also a proven economic development stimulus for creating local jobs and rebuilding communities,” said Espada. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
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