Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

Governor Paterson, Mayor Bloomberg Announce Creation of New York Haitian Earthquake Family Resource Center

Governor David A. Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today joined Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, to announce the creation of the New York Haitian Earthquake Family Resource Center. The Center will provide support services for the Haitian community affected by the earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince on January 12. The Center's first day of operation will be Monday, February 1, 2010, and it will be located in the New York National Guard Armory at 1579 Bedford Avenue, between Union and President Streets in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is home to New York State's largest Haitian community. Read more…

Statement from Governor David A. Paterson on the Release of Home Heating Assistance Funds

"I want to thank President Obama for acting quickly to release $490 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency funds. Today's announcement means New York will receive more than $45 million for the State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This brings our total HEAP allocation for this winter season to $520 million, giving us a means to alleviate the costs of keeping homes warm, especially as temperatures fall and fuel prices rise. Read more…

Governor Paterson Urges President Obama to Release Home Heating Assistance Funds

Governor David A. Paterson today called on President Barack Obama to release $590 million in home heating assistance funds to help families cope with cold winter temperatures blanketing the country. The Governor made the appeal at a time when more New Yorkers are in need of additional funds to help keep their households warm this winter season. Earlier this month, Governor Paterson joined the other governors in the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG), to send a letter to President Obama, requesting that the assistance be released in order to incorporate the funds into this year's program.

"We all know a family struggling to get by – those who are recently unemployed, others whose pay has been cut or work hours reduced. At this time of great need, we must provide critical services that will assist our working families through these difficult times," Governor Paterson said. "More New Yorkers have requested heating assistance this year than last – which is why it is crucial that we put these funds to work soon. HEAP makes sure that our neighbors have the funding they need to keep their homes heated through the frigid winter season." Read more…