§ 65-b. Funds for permanent housing projects for homeless families. The agency is authorized to receive and administer funds provided by the state and a city, as well as grants-in-aid and gifts of real and personal property, including money, from any source whatsoever, to be used to develop permanent housing accommodations for eligible homeless families. In carrying out its duties under this article the agency may require the assistance of appropriate city and state departments or agencies, public benefit corporations and public authorities. The aforesaid departments, agencies, public benefit corporations and public authorities are authorized to provide such assistance within their respective functions as the agency may require.