Governor Eliot Spitzer announced Friday that $38 million in grants to help fund housing for the homeless along with complementary support services to ensure independent living for individuals and families.

Sixteen community groups will share in the funding, which includes $3.5 million for the development of housing for persons living with HIV/AIDS. The grants will support the development of 730 housing units with 879 beds for families and single individuals in the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx, and the counties of Albany, Broome, Erie, Fulton, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Oneida, Orange, Tioga and Westchester.

In Orange County, the Newburgh Ministry will receive $1,811,950.

"Some of our most vulnerable residents, including the elderly, victims of domestic violence, the mentally disabled and homeless youth will benefit from these projects," said Governor Spitzer. "By providing them with the possibility of a stable home environment we are helping them to achieve self-sufficiency and economic security."

These housing grants will advance the administration’s economic security agenda, an effort to reduce the gap between rich and poor New Yorkers by providing a new focus on the needs of at-risk families. The plan seeks to reduce New York’s cost of living; establish educational and workforce development; enhance services for families in danger of falling into the social safety net; and expand job creation in local communities.

The funds are being provided through the sta-te Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP). HHAP funds are awarded annually through a competitive process. HHAP provides capital grants and loans to not-for-profit corporations, charitable and religious organizations, municipalities, and public corporations. The funds are used to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate housing for persons who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance.

Senator Liz Krueger said: "I am delighted that organizations such as The Fortune Society have received this additional funding from the state. They are a well respected organization doing critical work to both prevent people from becoming homeless and assisting them to move forward with their lives. Prior to becoming a State Senator, I ran eviction prevention programs under government contracts and know how important this work is."

Senator Neil Breslin said: "During this ‘Homeless Awareness Month’ it is only fitting that two dedicated, caring groups in the Albany community have been recognized and will be receiving funds to continue their efforts. I am pleased the Governor has recognized the value of the work that they perform for our community."

Assemblyman Vito Lopez said: "On behalf of New Yorkers who have no place to call ‘home’, I would like to thank Governor Spitzer for $38 million in HHAP funding for homeless housing. With these funds, we can take an important and meaningful step towards providing New Yorkers with the safe housing and supportive services that they desperately need."

David Hansell, Commissioner of OTDA, said: "What distinguishes HHAP from other housing programs is the emphasis on support services designed to address and treat the root causes of homelessness so that families and individuals can achieve and maintain the greatest level of independence possible."

Through HHAP, New York State has been at the forefront in recognizing the value of providing supported housing for homeless families and individuals. HHAP has been utilized successfully by community organizations to develop approximately 12,830 units of housing in New York State.