Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that $35 million in funding is available to provide supportive services for affordable housing projects statewide.

This seventh round of funding through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative aims to help cover operating expenses for 1,400 units of permanent supportive housing that will help reduce housing instability among vulnerable populations in New York.

“Supportive housing is a critical component of our efforts to build inclusive communities and ensure all New Yorkers have a safe, affordable place to call home,” Hochul said.

The state Office of Mental Health, the lead procurement agency for the initiative, issued a request for proposals Thursday for Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative funding, which is dispersed by an interagency workgroup of eight state agencies serving vulnerable New Yorkers. The initiative provides operating funding for supportive service providers serving homeless veterans and their families; victims of domestic violence; seniors or frail elderly; young adults with a history of incarceration, homelessness, or foster care; chronically homeless individuals and families; individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; individuals reentering the community from prison; and those living with HIV or AIDS, serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders.

Projects may receive up to $25,000 per unit per year for service and operating funding needed to operate permanent supportive housing units. Applicants are expected to secure separate capital funding to finance the development and construction of their housing project.

Funding awarded through the initiative can be used for rental assistance and services to eligible target populations to ensure housing stability.