Get Involved


Network Executive Director Ted Houghton advocates for affordable housing funding in New York City.

The Network advocates for public policy positions that advance the growth and effectiveness of supportive housing. Our staff produces ongoing research reports and analysis to affect policy and budget decisions at the local, state and federal level. We also lead and participate in timely campaigns to promote supportive housing as the most humane and cost-effective solution to ending chronic homelessness.

Join the Network for its annual Advocacy Day on March 14!

Governor Andrew Cuomo has released his Executive Budget for the 2012 fiscal year.

The budget contains minor restorations to homeless housing and preventive services programs. While we are grateful that it does not include any additional cuts to supportive housing, it unfortunately does not include enough funding to fund services in all existing supportive housing residences located throughout the state. Therefore, the Network will focus its advocacy efforts this spring on restoring the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) -- formerly known as SRO Support Services and Supported Housing for Families and Young Adults. (For a detailed rundown of the Executive Budget as it pertains to supportive housing, see here)

Please join us for the Network’s Annual Advocacy Day on Wednesday, March 14, when we will meet with numerous State legislators to express the need for restorations to the final budget, which is expected to be passed on April 1.

We encourage you to bring your staff and tenants to Advocacy Day. Please email the Network’s Maclain Berhaupt if you wish to attend or simply learn more. The Network will coordinate with you to make sure you meet with your representatives in both the Assembly and Senate.

The Network will also host an Advocacy training session on Friday, March 9 in Manhattan. The event will help prime participants for Advocacy Day and feature State Senator Liz Krueger. See this flyer to learn how you can attend.

Call your representatives!

Assemblywoman Michele Titus, Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee, recently sponsored a sign-on letter advocating for a $15.5 million increase to the Homeless Housing and Prevention Services budget line supporting both NYSSHP and STEHP. The Network was able to get nearly 30 Assembly members to sign on to this letter in less than three hours!

The Network has also met with various leaders within the Senate, including Senator Skelos’ staff, Senator Gallivan, Chair of Social Services and Senator Young, Chair of Housing.

There appears to be support in both houses and the executive’s office for increased funding. However, due to lack of revenue, any restorations are going to be difficult to achieve. Therefore, it is critical that your legislators hear from you about why this funding is so important. Please call your local Senator and Assembly member today!

To find your Assembly member’s contact info, click here.

To find your Senator’s contact info, click here.

Also, please call the following members in both the Assembly and Senate:

  • Call Assemblywoman Michele Titus to thank her for sponsoring the sign-on letter (518) 455-5668
  • Call Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to ask him to restore this funding (518) 455-3791
  • Call Senator Patrick Gallivan and ask for his support in restoring this funding (518)-455-3471
  • Call Senator Dean Skelos and ask for his support in restoring this funding (518) 455-3171