Homelessness and a lack of affordable housing continues to be one of the top issues facing New Yorkers. Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a number supporting housing grants to help repurpose previously dilapidated properties into housing units for homeless.

In one case, a veteran who had lived on the streets now has a new home thanks to the funding.

For Wesley Norfolk, there’s no place like home, especially when a home isn’t something he’s always had.

"When I came home from the military, I was severe PTSD, and I've been on the streets a couple of times. It's not fun,” said Norfolk, a Binghamton resident.

Through the hard times, Norfolk found peace turning to the one constant in life, art.

Now drawing digitally, he continues to create masterpieces as his life turns around for the better.

"I've been drawing since I was a child. It’s always been my go to. It's kind of like a therapy for me," said Norfolk.

Norfolk is finally able to do the things he loves once again, thanks to this supportive housing apartment in Binghamton. It’s one of 27 converted properties, funded in part thanks to the $8 million from the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance program.

Kelly Robertson, who works with individuals facing homelessness, says she couldn’t be happier.

“It's very rewarding for us to really see people who have been struggling and experience facing homelessness sometimes for quite a bit of time, to be able to secure safe and affordable housing. And to know that we're going to work with them through their struggles to help them achieve other goals," said Robertson, deputy director of Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc.

Stories like these are becoming more common throughout the state. Along with Binghamton, Erie County received nearly $23 million for a similar supportive housing project, along with Kingston in Ulster County, which received $15 million.

Norfolk, who now has a son, faced homelessness once again last year, when his apartment was being converted to student housing. But just when things looked like they were going downhill, he was connected to Robertson and Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango.

One of the 27 units is now his.

"It's nice as a social service provider to be able to actually take something. And people didn't have a home before and now we're able to provide that for them,” said Robertson.

“This place has helped me to not only get on my feet again, but I saved enough money to get my vehicle. I've saved enough money to get things that not only I need, but other things that I want; and be able to provide for my son and get him the things that he wants," said Norfolk.

From serving the country to living on the streets, Norfolk’s life has seen twists and turns. But it’s safe to say he’s now entering a new beginning.