Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2008

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEARLY $4.5 MILLION IN HUD GRANTS FOR GREATER BINGHAMTON AREA

Federal Funds to Spur Community Development and Provide Affordable Housing for Families in Binghamton and the Town of Union

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $3,088,295 to Binghamton through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and HOME programs. HUD has also awarded $1,393,304 to the Town of Union through the CDBG program. These formula grants will assist in providing critical housing services for Upstate New Yorkers which are not readily available through any other private or government source.

“These grants will help revitalize the Greater Binghamton area by providing critical affordable housing resources and opportunities to residents in Binghamton and the Town of Union,” said Schumer. “With cost of living on the rise, too many people find the expense of owning a home beyond their means. These programs are not only an economic shot in the arm for communities, but they also have the potential to give deserving New Yorkers access to safe, affordable housing."

These programs provide communities with resources to address a wide range of development needs. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides annual grants to states and other units of local government to assist in the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. CDBG funds can also be used to help combat the vacant housing crisis choking neighborhood rejuvenation and draining valuable resources in Binghamton and the Town of Union.

The Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program provides annual grants to state, local, and private entities to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters. It can assist with the operational costs of the shelter facility, and for the administration of the grant.

The HOME program helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to States and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.

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