Risk Reduction & Insurance Affordability Program

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is proud to introduce a new $5 million Risk Reduction and Insurance Affordability (RRIA) program made possible by Governor Hochul in the State's 2026 budget. This innovative program, the first in the nation, will be administered by the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board and the Housing Partnership Network.

The RRIA program offers technical and financial assistance to eligible not-for-profit affordable housing properties with HCR regulatory agreements to improve the property’s risk profile and join captive insurance arrangements.

By incorporating a holistic review of risk factors, this program aims not only to reduce insurance costs but also to ensure high-quality building conditions for residents and support housing affordability over the long term.

To be eligible, properties must meet these two criteria:

Regulated by HCR: Property must have an existing regulatory agreement or other supervision by HCR (including HFA, DHCR, and HTFC)

Not-for-profit: Property must be owned or controlled by a not-for-profit sponsor

Program Administrators may specify additional eligibility and prioritization criteria as necessary to ensure program funds effectively assist a broad spectrum of properties across New York State.

HCR has selected Urban Homesteading Assistance Board and Housing Partnership Network to serve as Program Administrators. Each of these non-profit organizations brings a long history in affordable housing and a track record of developing innovative insurance solutions for housing providers.

Participating properties will progress through 3 program stages:

Risk Assessment: Each property will undergo a customized analysis of risk factors (such as past claims history, financial metrics, physical site conditions) to determine what is influencing premium levels for the specific property.

Risk Mitigation: Based on the risk assessment, the property will receive recommendations for risk mitigation measures which are determined to have the greatest impact on improving the property’s risk profile. The program may provide funds for remediating conditions identified during the risk assessment.

Captive Application & Onboarding: The program will provide technical assistance in identifying and applying for a suitable captive insurance group. As necessary, the program will also assist with upfront capital contributions or startup funds required when joining the captive.

Owners of eligible properties interested in applying need to contact the Program Administrators directly. To find the Program Administrator for your county, please see the lists below.

Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB)

With 50 years of experience, UHAB provides a variety of affordable services and advisement to hundreds of housing co-ops every year. You can find more information about UHAB’s RRIA program at their program home page: https://www.uhab.org/our-work/insurance. For any questions, reach out to Caleb Weil at 212-347-3346 or [email protected].

Housing Partnership Network (HPN)

HPN is a trusted national network of 120+ experienced housing practitioners that turn frontline expertise into solutions, influence, and field-level impact. Eligible property owners and sponsors can learn more at https://www.housingpartnership.net/ny-rria. For any questions, reach out by email at [email protected].

For general questions about the program, contact NYS Homes & Community Renewal at [email protected].

Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB): Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Erie, Fulton, Genesee, Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, New York (Manhattan), Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Schuyler, Schoharie, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates

Housing Partnership Network (HPN): Albany, Bronx, Clinton, Columbia, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kings (Brooklyn), Lewis, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Westchester

General Program Administration 

EEO, M/WBE & SDVOB

Commitment/Disbursement