UPSTATE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — It was announced Tuesday by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand that Upstate New York will receive $181,203,315 in emergency homelessness assistance as part of the Schumer-led American Rescue Plan.

“During a time in history with endless uncertainties for New Yorkers, secure housing shouldn’t be one,” said Senator Schumer. “Without this critical federal aid, too many New Yorkers who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity would face insurmountable challenges to keeping their families and children safe. This homelessness assistance could not come soon enough for those families who have no place to call home in the midst of a global pandemic. New Yorkers deserve to be healthy and secure in safe housing – and the millions of dollars I have delivered for Upstate New York over the past few months will work to provide a roof over the heads of our families throughout the crisis and beyond.”

“Over the past year, financial strain from unemployment and health care bills have exacerbated circumstances for families already living paycheck to paycheck, leaving so many New Yorkers in dire housing situations,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding for homelessness assistance will help countless individuals facing housing insecurity access safe and affordable shelter as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and begin to rebuild our economy. I am proud to have fought for and helped secured this funding in the American Rescue Plan, and I will continue fighting for the resources are communities desperately need to stay safe during and after the pandemic.”

Schumer and Gillibrand said the additional homelessness assistance, on top of the $108,099,079 secured in previous COVID packages, will help thousands of New York’s residents who have faced challenges during the pandemic and are experiencing homelessness.

Local governments can use this funding to plan emergency, transition, and permanent housing alternatives to address the various specific needs of the people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in their communities.

A breakdown of direct rental assistance to Upstate New York’s localities appears below. These numbers are tentative.