Authorizes issues guidelines for granting contracts to disabled veterans eligible under the home for heroes program

8 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• Tony Avella
• Thomas Croci
• Rich Funke
• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Kathleen A. Marchione
• Robert Ortt
• Marc Panepinto

Title of bill

An act to amend the private housing finance law, in relation to disabled veteran access to home for heroes contracts

Purpose

The purpose of bill is to help ensure that disabled veterans are able to make improvements to their homes to improve their accessibility.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 creates a new Article XXVIII in the Private Housing Finance law, The New York Access to Home for Heroes Program. This bill directs the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation to enter into contracts for grants with applicants for the actual costs of an access to Home for Heroes program. Eligible applicants shall include cities, towns, villages and not for profit corporations which have substantial experience in retrofitting homes for the disabled. In order to be eligible for a grant, each applicant would submit a plan which would include data on program feasibility impact on the community, a budget for fund expenditure, a schedule for program completion, and for affirmative action and minority business participation. Eligible properties would include a housing unit that is the primary residence of a disabled veteran with a physical disability that has an income below 120% of the average median income. Improvements will not be considered eligible if they are already required under federal state or local law.

Section 2 provides an immediate effective date.

Justification

Many disabled veterans in New York face a significant impediment to accessible and affordable housing due to a disability which may have resulted from service related injuries and or age or health related disabilities. Disabled veterans who have served our country should be given assistance when they attempt to return to their homes or to find alternate suitable housing in New York. This bill would provide a means by which formerly inaccessible housing can be accommodated to address the needs of the veteran community so that they are able to live safely, comfortably and productively in the most integrated setting of their choice.

Legislative history

2015: S.2316 - PASSED SENATE, referred to veterans' affairs 2014: S.7699 - PASSED SENATE, referred to veterans' affairs

Fiscal implications

Subject to appropriation.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.