Supplements New York State's Ongoing Efforts to Support Veterans and Expand Supportive Housing Opportunities Across the State

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance today announced the opening of the $1.8 million Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments, six newly rehabilitated apartments in Albany for homeless veterans. This project was developed in partnership with the Albany Housing Coalition, Inc., a nonprofit that has managed a supportive housing program for homeless veterans since 1987.

“The renovation of these two buildings creates much-needed safe and affordable apartments for formerly homeless veterans to call home, while providing them with onsite access to essential services they need to live stable, independent lives in the community,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn. “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued support of the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and her unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being of our veterans and their families.”

The development of Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments involved the renovation of two existing deteriorated side-by-side row houses to create six one-bedroom units of permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans in Albany.

Capital funding for this project includes $1.3 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, a U.S. Housing and Urban Development HOME grant through the Albany Community Development Agency, and additional funding from Trustco Bank. The New York State Department of Veterans' Services also contributed funding to help furnish the apartments.

In addition, operating funding for the project is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Support services, provided by the Albany Housing Coalition, include case management, housing stability plans, financial planning, peer support, employment and training services, continuing education referrals, and vocational training. The Albany Housing Coalition will also partner with the Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York to provide residents with medical and behavioral therapies and pro bono legal assistance, respectively.

This project complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will build or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

Additionally, this state funding for Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments reaffirms New York State's commitment to ensuring that veterans can access safe, sustainable, accessible housing in our state. On Veteran's Day, Governor Hochul announced the opening of new rounds of grant funding for several important programs assisting veterans and their families throughout New York State. The programs included the Veterans Emergency Assistance Housing Fund, which began earlier this year as a pilot program and provides financial aid and critical support to veterans facing dire housing situations in New York State. The program is one among dozens of state veterans benefits and services administered by the Department of Veterans' Services and partner agencies that amount to investments of well over $200 million dollars supporting New York's veterans and their families in the current fiscal year. New York's partnerships and collaborations with legal services organizations throughout the state also help ensure that veterans facing housing challenges receive proper advice and representation in landlord-tenant proceedings and other housing-related matters.

New York State Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, “The Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments are a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing affordable housing and essential services for our veterans. By contributing funding to this initiative, we are ensuring that those who have served our country can live with dignity and stability in their community. This project, along with our Veterans Emergency Housing Program, are critical to delivering supportive housing solutions that meet veteran's needs. I thank Governor Hochul for championing our veterans and their families, and I applaud the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Commissioner Guinn, the Albany Housing Coalition, Inc., and all our affordable housing project partners on today's welcome announcement.”

Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said, “I often say our veterans are the best of us—because that couldn't be truer, and when they return home it's our collective responsibility to care for them. These new apartments underscore our commitment to providing housing support, job opportunities, and access to healthcare and tailored services to local veterans who have served our community and country without hesitation. New York State is committed to being there for our veterans, especially when they've fallen on hard times, and I commend the state agencies and federal partnerships that made this project a reality here in our Capital Region.”

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, “The opening of Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments marks a significant step forward in ensuring that those who have served our country receive the housing and support they deserve. This project not only addresses the critical need for permanent supportive housing for veterans who have experienced homelessness but also strengthens our commitment to improving the lives of veterans across our state. I'm proud to see this partnership with the Albany Housing Coalition and other dedicated organizations bring hope and stability to our veterans, offering them the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment.”

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Today, we take an important step forward in honoring the brave men and women who served our nation. They answered the call to serve, sacrificing so much to protect our freedoms. Now, it is our turn to honor that commitment by ensuring they have access to the care they deserve. The Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments will offer a safe environment to homeless Veterans while also providing them with access to comprehensive services, including case management, job training, and peer support. I would like to thank Governor Hochul, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Albany Housing Coalition, Trustco Bank, and the community partners that made this project possible. I look forward to continuing our shared mission of ensuring that every Veteran receives the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve. Together, we will ensure that no Veteran is left behind.”

City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “I would like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul & Commissioner Guinn for their continued efforts to provide housing for residents of Albany and for this specific project focusing on our veterans. The Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments could not have happened without the support of our partners at OTDA & Albany Housing Coalition and its partners. Through adaptive reuse of two existing structures, OTDA has created something new to address the needs of Albany's veterans. Not only will the Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments provide housing, but support services for those who sacrificed for our country and now need case managers, financial planning assistance, peer support, education and employment assistance and so much more. Thank you again to the Governor and our state partners for recognizing a need and creating a plan to provide for our veterans.”

James Bouldin, President of the Board, Albany Housing Coalition, Inc., said, “We are grateful for our partnership with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and the Albany Community Development Agency, who provided the funding for this project. Working together we are able to provide safe and welcoming housing for veterans, that is both needed and well deserved.”

Sondra Young, Executive Director, Albany Housing Coalition, Inc., said, “Clinton Avenue Veterans Apartments is an example of what can be achieved when community partners work together. Albany Housing Coalition (AHC) is entrenched and engaged in the community. AHC works to preserve and enhance the neighborhood; provide safe, affordable housing to veterans; and offer the support services needed so that the veterans in our programs reintegrate into the community and maintain housing stability.”