Categories: New York City
04.11.2013
Network staff join hundreds to launch election-year United to End Homelessness campaign
Network staff joined more than 250 friends and advocates on April 9 at the launch of United to End Homelessness, a coalition created to highlight homelessness during the 2013 mayoral election in New York City. The rally took place on the steps of City Hall and featured a slate of guest speakers, including Rev. Calvin O. Butts of the Abyssinian Baptist Church.
The event marked the start of a long campaign, one designed to both shed light on NYC's homelessness crisis and offer policy solutions to the mayoral candidates.
Christy Parque of Homeless Services United (HSU) served as the day's emcee. Faced with an unseasonably hot afternoon, Ms. Parque kept her cool as she introduced the coalition as a broad array of experts, advocates and faith leaders.
"We must have a diversity of solutions to match the diversity of reasons why our friends become homeless in New York City," she said.
The ever-eloquent Rev. Butts then took the stage to offer an impassioned plea to New York's next mayor.
"I'm pleased to be a part of this coalition, because I know how important this issue is," he said. "The next mayor of the City of New York must make [ending homelessness] a major plank in their platform."
Rally-goers also heard from the very people who benefit from effective homelessness policies. One of those individuals was Keith Hunter, a supportive housing tenant with Lantern Organization. Mr. Hunter spoke about his history of homelessness, the difficulties he faced in foster care and the remarkable differences in his life now that he has a stable place to live.
"I hope our cries will be heard by our next mayor and that he or she will build more supportive housing units across New York City," he said.
Other speakers included Philip Malebranche of Care for the Homeless, Nazima Ali, Jennifer March-Joly of Citizens' Committee for Children and Stephan Russo of Goddard Riverside Community Center.
"We're here today to let the next mayor know that, once and for all, we need a commitment to stop the vicious cycle of homelessness," Mr. Russo said.
The Network is proud to be a part of United to End Homelessness and looks forward to organizing and attending future advocacy events. If you haven't done so already, please visit the coalition's website and endorse their policy platform.
Caption: Rev. Calvin O. Butts speaks at the launch event for the United to End Homelessness campaign on April 9 on the steps outside New York City Hall. Photo courtesy of Thomas Donley Photography. For more photos, see the Network's Facebook page.