New York State is addressing housing shortage issue

City has set aside $85 million to help homeowners build ‘Accessory Dining Units’ right in their own backyards

NEW YORK – New York State is looking to address the housing shortage crisis by offering a helping hand to homeowners.

The city has set aside $85 million to help homeowners build “Accessory Dining Units” (ADUs) right in their own backyards.

According to New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the agency in charge of the initiative, as of Aug. 15, a whopping $23.4 million has already been distributed for this purpose.

The program was announced in the state’s 2022-2023 budget.

Homeowners across the state can receive grants of up to $125,000 to build an additional housing unit on their property.

With plans to distribute a total of $85 million in grants by 2028, this program will have a significant impact.

Jolie Milstein, president of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, stressed the importance of exploring all options to address the housing shortage.

These grants are not paid directly to homeowners, but to local governments and nonprofit organizations, which then distribute the funds.

In the first round of funding, several entities, including Ulster County and the Town of Amherst, and nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity received grants ranging from $500,000 to $2.6 million.

This initial push is making the dreams of homeowners from Buffalo to New York City come true.

To apply for these grants, homeowners must meet a certain income threshold, which varies by where they live in the state.

Milstein said this program will spur home construction in areas where it is allowed.

Not only does it provide homeowners with the funds they need, but it also demonstrates a successful method of addressing the housing crisis on a personal level.