New York will provide $27 million in storm aid to undocumented residents who were affected by flooding due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday announced.
The money is being provided through grants to non-profit community organizations after federal emergency recovery aid did not cover people who are undocumented and live in New York.
News of the fund was first reported Sunday by The City.
"When I saw the devastation of Hurricane Ida, I pledged that we would do everything in our power to help impacted communities recover, and this funding is a fulfillment of that promise," Hochul said. "With these resources dedicated to undocumented New Yorkers who are ineligible for FEMA relief and partnerships with organizations on the ground, we can close gaps in aid and help New Yorkers in need. I urge eligible New Yorkers to apply to get the funding they need to rebuild."
Many of the people affected by the storms live in neighborhoods where stormwater and sewer systems were overwhelmed by the deluge of rain, which included communities with basement apartments.
The program is being managed through the New York State Office for New Americans and will aid undocumented people living in counties with a major disaster declaration by the federal government.
"We will ensure New Yorkers have access to the aid they need to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ida," de Blasio said. "Regardless of documentation status, we will get support to the most recent victims of our climate crisis and are here to help every step of the way."