(WNY News Now) – New York – New York State has unveiled a $50 million initiative aimed at preserving up to 500 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) apartments across the state, enhancing living conditions for vulnerable populations.
New York State is committing $50 million to protect Single Room Occupancy (SRO) apartments, essential to the ambitious $25 billion Housing Plan. The initiative’s primary objective is to establish or sustain 100,000 affordable residences throughout the state, prioritizing 10,000 units with support services for vulnerable communities.
“Existing single-room occupancy units are an important aspect of the affordable housing ecosystem, especially for vulnerable individuals that are eligible for supportive services such as those experiencing chronic homelessness, victims of domestic violence, those living with physical disabilities, and individuals suffering from mental illness,” Governor Hochul said. “By creating this program, we are adding an important tool to our toolbox as we work to combat the housing crisis, particularly in New York City where these types of apartments provide a safe, secure, affordable home for thousands of residents.”
Commonly referred to as SROs, Single Room Occupancy units are compact rentals featuring a single room with basic amenities like a sink and stove. Typically, these units share a communal bathroom situated in the building’s public corridor. The allocated funds, accessible through the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), will support preservation projects specifically targeting the rehabilitation of SRO units. The overarching goal is to bring these units to a state of good repair and, where feasible, introduce private bathrooms to enhance residents’ living conditions.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Single Room Occupancy units are a vital affordable housing resource and often are aligned with supportive services that play an important role in protecting vulnerable residents and allowing them to remain in their communities and neighborhoods. This innovative $50 million initiative will enhance our existing resources and better ensure that SROs across the state are safe, functional, and in good repair for the people who rely on them for a place to call home.”
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