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The Network’s Statement in Response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Speech
Jan.11.2024
Governor Hochul’s continued recognition of the urgent need to address New York’s housing shortage and intensifying behavioral health crisis with increased resources and attention is yet another sign that she is serious about solving the challenges that matter most to New Yorkers. However, if she is going to meaningfully solve either, it’s essential that she prioritize a sector not explicitly mentioned in her State of the State Address: supportive housing.
SROs Now Eligible For HCR’s Supportive Housing Preservation Program
Jan.04.2024
The Network is pleased to report that Governor Hochul and New York State Homes and Community Renewal have clarified that Single Room Occupancy supportive housing residences are eligible for the state’s Supportive Housing Preservation Program. $50 million in capital will be specifically dedicated to this effort. This funding may be used to upgrade SRO housing into studio apartments if practical. If not, a waiver of the design guidelines may be requested. The Network urges our members with this type of housing to check out the term sheet.
The Racial Equity in Supportive Housing Workgroup Celebrates Second Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing Cohort Graduation
Dec.18.2023
On December 15th, the Racial Equity in Supportive Housing (RESH) Workgroup celebrated the second Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing (RELISH) Cohort Graduation ceremony at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. The 24-week RELISH mentorship program was created in 2022 by RESH, a volunteer affinity group made up of Black leaders at half a dozen nonprofit organizations. RESH’s mission is to advocate for policies and practices that advance racial and wage equity and improve the quality of life for Black people connected to the supportive housing sector.
The Network Testifies at New York State Assembly Hearing on Housing
Dec.18.2023
On December 18th, the Network’s Executive Director Pascale Leone testified at the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Housing to advocate for modernizing the 30+-year old New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) whose rates have remained essentially the same since inception. Pascale explained that the chronic underfunding of NYSSHP has left 9,000 units of supportive housing at risk and proposed the simple solution of converting these units to New York State’s better-funded Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) through a five-year, phased-in approach. This plan would eventually create fiscal parity among supportive housing units across New York.
The Network Testifies at Two NYC Council Hearings
Dec.12.2023
On December 7th, the Network’s Associate Director of Engagement and Communications Joelle Ballam-Schwan testified at the City Council oversight hearing on supportive housing held jointly by the Committees on General Welfare; Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction; Housing and Buildings; and Veterans. Joelle joined nonprofits in opposing the remaining 10% of Mayor Adams’ 15% proposed budget cuts; urged the city to adopt the Network’s NYC 15/15 reallocation plan; advocated that the city #JustPay the human services workforce and fund an annual COLA; and that the city expand supportive housing opportunities for those leaving jail/prison and survivors of domestic violence. Read the full testimony here.