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.
Continue Reading …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.
Continue Reading …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.
Continue Reading …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.
Continue Reading …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.
Continue Reading …CAMBA Housing Ventures and CAMBA Break Ground on Clarkson Estates
Dec.06.2023
On December 5th partners, funders, staff, and friends gathered under a tent on the grounds of what will be CAMBA Housing Ventures/CAMBA’s Clarkson Estates in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, to break ground on the project which is part of the State’s Vital Brooklyn initiative. Once complete, this project will provide 328 units of permanently affordable and supportive housing with 50% of the units (164 units) set aside for formerly homeless populations, including youth aging out of foster care, formerly incarcerated individuals, formerly homeless young adults, and formerly homeless families. The other 163 units will serve low-income individuals at 30%, 40%, 50%, and 70% area median income (AMI), with one unit set aside for a live-in superintendent. Clarkson Estates will feature more than 30,000 square feet of community facility space and nearly 15,000 square feet of parking as requested through community input. Services and rental subsidy are funded by the New York State Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) contracted through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Continue Reading …October November Community Corner
Nov.30.2023
The first supportive housing built to serve homeless Native Americans opened in 1996 in Minneapolis MN: Anishinabe Wakiagun – The People’s Home. The 45-unit four story apartment building serves native people struggling with substance use disorder.
Continue Reading …Joe DeGenova Retires from CUCS
Nov.28.2023
After 34 years at CUCS, Joe DeGenova has stepped down as the organization’s CEO having started at the organization as assistant Program Director in 1989. Before becoming CEO, Joe worked alongside CEO Tony Hannigan as Deputy Director for 19 years, helping to grow the organization from four programs with a budget of five million dollars to one with 24 programs and a budget of $39 million. He helped grow CUCS affiliate Janian Medical Care among a raft of accomplishments. He and Tony were bedrocks of the supportive housing community and saw its growth from a handful of projects and providers to its well-earned reputation for the most effective means of helping those most in need into homes and health. His tenure as CEO was all too brief and he shall be deeply missed.
Continue Reading …Jerrisa White, Outstanding Tenant of the Year
Nov.06.2023
Senior Case Manager Mariah Mallory, a longtime staffer at Access: Supports for Livings says, “When I think about how much supportive housing can help people, I think of Jerrisa.” No wonder: since moving into her apartment at Temple Hill Apartments six years ago, Jerrisa has completed a Medical Certification program, has earned her driver’s license, and has secured a good paying job as a medical assistant. Oh, and did we mention that she also gave birth to twin boys five years ago and another boy a year ago?
Continue Reading …Jimmy Rivera, Outstanding Tenant of the Year
Nov.06.2023
Jimmy Rivera is the longest surviving tenant in Project Hospitality’s HASA supportive housing, coming to the organization in the late 80’s. He has “volunteered his heart out” ever since according to PH’s President and CEO Rev. Terry Troia.
Continue Reading …