MONTICELLO, NY — Monticello and Port Jervis are receiving millions to help low-income residents pay their rent.

The Housing Authority of Monticello will get $1.9 million and the Port Jervis Community Development Agency will get $1.7 million. The money will support affordable housing options through vouchers.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $3.3 billion in renewal funding for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) in New York. Public housing authorities can use this money to help residents with rising rental costs.

Housing choice vouchers provide financial stability for renters and peace of mind for landlords. Families can move anywhere in the United States while retaining their rental subsidy. Last year, the HCV program received an additional $2 billion to maintain housing vouchers. For the program to be effective, landlords must be willing to accept vouchers.

“The HCV program is the most successful rental program ever conceived,” said Richard J. Monocchio, principal deputy assistant secretary for Public and Indian Housing. “Not only do housing vouchers free up income for basic needs, but when families are able to live in stable, affordable housing in low-poverty communities, we see higher cognitive test scores and educational outcomes for children and increased chances of attending college and earning more as adults.” 

HUD said the nation is 2 million homes short of the number needed, and that it is addressing the affordability crisis by increasing the housing supply.