Affordable Housing in New York State is at a Crisis Level

Rob Davies, TK Small

Housing Crisis and Housing Trust Fund Background Information

Affordable, accessible and integrated housing is a cornerstone objective of the NYSILC Housing Institute. However, it is virtually impossible for people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to obtain decent, safe, affordable and accessible housing in their community unless they are receiving housing assistance. According to a recent study, “Priced out in 2004” by the Technical Assistance Collaborative and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, no person receiving SSI in New York State can afford an efficiency or one bedroom apartment. Recipients would have to pay over 118% of their SSI for an efficiency apartment and 137% of their SSI for a one bedroom apartment.

Since 1998 the average rent for a one bedroom has increased by 59%, pricing individuals with disabilities out of the housing market. According to federal housing affordability guidelines, individuals should not be paying more then 30% of their income for housing in order to allow income for other expenses such as food and clothing. That means that an individual receiving SSI should not be spending more then $185.00 per month on rent. This is impossible in today’s housing market.

For the past two years the NYSILC Housing Institute has been researching the housing crisis and has been conducting housing forums throughout New York State, drafting legislation and advocating for its passage. Last year three bills were introduced in both houses of the state legislature and two were passed in the Assembly: funding a registry of accessible apartments and a bill to assure compliance with Section 504 of HUD regulations. We will continue to work toward passage of these bills and the promotion of legislation on visitability and the creation of a Housing Trust Fund for persons with disabilities.

There are currently more then 275 housing trust funds in cities, counties and states throughout the United States. They are providing at least $750 million each and every year to support critical housing needs. Housing trust funds represent one of the most innovative and promising initiatives in this nation’s struggle to address the housing needs of all its citizens.

Housing Trust Funds are distinct accounts that receive dedicated sources of public funds to support affordable housing. They are typically established through ordinance or legislation creating the fund, an administrative structure for overseeing its operation, regulatory requirements for expenditure of the funds and enabling the dedication of identified sources of public funds. Trust funds once established ensure a dedicated, yearly flow of revenue to fund housing development. They are not subject to yearly legislative appropriation.

Housing Trust Funds are created to provide accessible and affordable housing to those most in need. We believe individuals with disabilities who receive SSI are individuals with the lowest income in the state and are truly deserving a guaranteed source of affordable and accessible housing.
The purposes of the proposed trust include:

• mortgage foreclosure prevention
• security deposits
• down payment and closing costs assistance
• accessibility modifications