WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) announced that the Rescue Mission of Utica has been awarded a $700,000 grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLB) Affordable Housing Program to renovate the Parker House shelter for homeless men in Utica, NY.

 

“The Rescue Mission of Utica is an invaluable community asset – helping people get back on their feet when times are tough,” Arcuri said. “Grants like this help get individuals off the street and on their way to security and independence.  Beyond the help this new renovation will provide for individuals experiencing homelessness, it is a $700,000 shot in the arm for the local economy and I am pleased to see federal dollars come back home to help communities in Upstate New York.”

 

“For the past five years, we have seen a steady increase in homeless men utilizing our Emergency Shelter,” said the Rev. Bill Dodge, Executive Director of the Rescue Mission of Utica. “In recent years, our shelter has been at or beyond capacity up to 60% of the time. In the last 60 days, the shelter beds were at or beyond capacity 90% of the time (54 days,) meaning we had men sleeping on the floor on mattresses nearly every night. The need for shelter is urgent. This grant will help provide needed shelter beds and could not have come at a better time. With the downturn in our economy, we are pleased that this project will bring $700,000 back into our community.”

 

The Rescue Mission of Utica will use this grant for renovations of the Parker House emergency shelter for homeless men. New windows, doors and attic insulation will also make the building more energy efficient. The project will include five units of housing designated for the Residential Stabilization Program of the New York State Division of Parole. Residents will receive on-site empowerment counseling and supportive services including case management, medical services, vocational training, and job coaching and employment therapy. A full-service dining hall, classrooms and a computer-learning center are all located on the Rescue Mission campus.

 

The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP) provides member lenders with direct subsidies which are passed on to income qualified households through sponsoring local nonprofit organizations. AHP financing is combined with other funding sources to create housing for moderate-, low- and very low-income families. Program awardees receive this funding through a competitive application process. Each competing project must be sponsored by a financial organization that is a member of the Bank in partnership with a community-based sponsoring organization.

 

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