Categories: New York City, Network Events
09.26.2025
On September 25th, nearly 70 supportive housing advocates, providers, and tenants gathered with the Network for an Emergency #SaveTheCoC Rally in New York City.
The Continuum of Care (CoC) program—the backbone of supportive housing and a critical part of our national homelessness response system—is facing a serious funding crisis. Advocates came together not in protest, but in partnership, to thank Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer for including CoC funding in the draft Continuing Resolution, and to urge them to hold the line: prioritize this vital program and ensure its inclusion in the final bill.
Network Executive Director Pascale Leone, who emceed the rally, said, "We are not here in protest – but in partnership. We are here in hope – hope that our elected leaders will honor their commitments and stand up for the people they were elected to represent."
Throughout the rally, tenants, service providers, and advocates shared moving and passionate messages about the life-saving impact of CoC funding:
Mike Chen, Fifth Avenue Committee said, "I am the direct receipt of CoC. I was homeless and CoC has provided funding so I can be healthy and stable. I'm now a community organizer with Fifth Ave Committee."
Elizabeth Mackey, VOCAL-NY said “We don't need federal cuts. Supportive housing is a human right. We all need housing."
Catherine Trapani, Volunteers of America-Greater New York said, "The CoC provides a lifeline to countless Americans struggling to maintain housing stability. Organizations like VOA-GNY use these dollars to provide housing opportunities for people fleeing domestic violence, to house people struggling with mental health issues and disabilities and, to provide clinical care to those transitioning from the streets into homes."
Alana Tornello, Human Services Council said, "The CoC provides supportive housing that interrupts cycles of homelessness and that is why we are deeply concerned. Without CoC funding, thousands would be left homeless. The CoC must be protected with a Continuing Resolution."
Jim Dill, Housing and Services, Inc. said, "Our programs rely significantly on CoC funding. The CoC funding provides tenants with housing stability and support. These cuts are reckless and lives would be lost. We urgently need our Senators to fight, fight, fight."
Anthony Feliciano, Housing Works said, "All people deserve safe, stable housing that help them thrive - especially those living with HIV who are at or below the margins. We cannot omit CoC, HOPWA and other programs that our folks need in the Continuing Resolution."
A huge thank you to all of our incredible speakers, rally participants, and our co-sponsors for standing with us during this critical moment.
Special thanks to our rally co-sponsors: The Health & Housing Consortium, Human Services Council, Coalition for the Homeless and Homeless Services United.