Governor Kathy Hochul announced today during a visit to Plattsburgh that $ 78 million in funding is now available through the CARES Act (CDBG-CV) for community development. The federal program administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal is now accepting applications to help eligible communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.

To date, the program has provided more than $ 40 million to help communities improve the health and safety of public facilities. Three recently approved CDBG-CV awards will provide $ 2.8 million for the upgrading of senior citizens’ centers in the town of Somers in Westchester County, the town of Tonawanda in Erie County and the town of Pittsford in County Monroe.

“I thank President Biden and our federal partners for helping to secure funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are designed to help communities prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect our vulnerable neighbors ”, Governor Hochul said. “Mayors, communities and nonprofits tell us about your vision, tell us where you think vulnerabilities are greatest in your communities, where you think you need extra help. These additional funds will help and we will make it happen together. ”

The CDBG-CV program funds community projects that address health and safety issues related to the pandemic and improve public services. This new funding cycle allows non-profit organizations, in addition to municipalities, to apply for grants. The allocation limits have also been increased to allow more flexibility based on the needs demonstrated in the application. Additionally, newly eligible fundraising activities include basement apartments, improvements to farm laborers’ housing, improved access to mental health, broadband, and food insecurity services.

Three awards announced today will benefit 10,800 older New Yorkers:

• $ 1,825,000 to the Town of Somers in Westchester County to make modifications to the Seniors Center located in the historic Van Tassell House and purchase a 13-passenger van and minivan for the use of the People’s Center elderly. The project focuses on improving air quality and HVAC systems, replacing Placoplâtre, improving drainage and crawl space, reducing hazardous materials, reconfiguring interior space for promote social distancing and the installation of a kiosk for outdoor programming.
• $ 825,755 to the town of Tonawanda, Erie County, to improve access and facilities at the senior center and to purchase two six-passenger vans for the use of the senior center. Planned interior upgrades include installing automatic faucets and hand dryers in washrooms, touchless water bottle fillers on existing water fountains and a new generator. Exterior upgrades to the facility include a new roof, rebuilding the main entrance to make it accessible to the ADA, and installing new parking lot lighting.
• $ 206,299 to the town of Pittsford, County Monroe, to install an outdoor pavilion at the senior center, upgrade the video conferencing system and purchase an 11-passenger van for the use of the senior center. The city plans to create an outdoor recreation space large enough to allow social distancing to continue in-person programs and services in the spring, summer and early fall.

UNHCR Commissioner Ruth Anne Visnauskas said: “The pandemic has required changes in daily life and our community infrastructure must adapt accordingly. The $ 78 million in funding available is critical to helping prevent and respond to COVID-19 today and into the future, while allowing people to gather together safely. The three projects announced today are prime examples of how this funding can be used to help New York recover from this crisis. We commend the planners and managers in Pittsford, Somers and Tonawanda for the thoughtful thinking they have given to all aspects of these projects and for the essential support they provide to older New Yorkers.

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said: “With the alarming spike in COVID-19 cases, I applaud Governor Hochul for allocating $ 78 million in federal funding to help keep New Yorkers safe and healthy. These grants will allow nonprofits and municipalities to apply for help to protect our communities from the ongoing pandemic. I am proud that the New York delegation fought so hard to help secure this funding and that it will go directly to our communities as they help deal with the continuing threat of COVID-19. “

Congressman Brian Higgins said: “Federal funding approved by Congress through the CARES Act will support sustainable investments in communities in western New York State. For residents of Tonawanda Town, that means new senior vans to help with transportation and major renovations to the senior center. Such changes will improve the quality of life and protect the health and safety of residents. “

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said: “I am delighted to join Governor Hochul in announcing this assistance to Van Tassell House Seniors Center in Somers and other senior centers across New York State. The CARES Act has provided a vital lifeline to our communities and this funding will provide additional resources to care for the elderly during the pandemic. I fought to include state and local government funding in the CARES Act to ensure New York City can help cities like Somers and support communities statewide. to Governor Hochul for his partnership and dedication to helping New Yorkers through these difficult times. “

Congressman Joe Morelle said: “As we continue to respond to the ongoing pandemic, it is essential that our communities have the resources they need to support families in need, especially older residents who have been particularly affected by the impacts of COVID. -19. I am proud to have secured these funds under the CARES Act which will help ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Monroe County. I am grateful

Congressman Ritchie Torres said: “The ongoing public health crisis has had a relentless devastating impact on communities across our state and country, and continues to have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations like older New Yorkers. These additional funds and grants are a welcome announcement and will provide the necessary resources to support our efforts against COVID-19. I applaud Governor Hochul for directing funds to the centers for the elderly and look forward to future payments to communities desperately trying to recover from the pandemic.

More information on CDBG CARES is available on the UNHCR website.