Categories: New York State
09.26.2022
On September 14th the Network joined the National Alliance to End Homelessness for its Annual Capitol Hill Day. The Network, Urban Pathways and Care for the Homeless along with providers and advocates with lived experience from across New York State met with representatives from 20 congressional offices urging them to support two budget priorities: $3.6 billion in overall funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Homeless Assistance Grants and $32.1 billion for the Tenant Based Rental Assistance account.
During each meeting, lived experience advocates and direct service providers testified to the drastic need for expanding these programs and how this funding would impact individuals at-risk-of or experiencing homelessness:
"Having a voucher saved my life," said M.A. Dennis, Care for the Homeless.
"Housing should be a right,” said Althea Matthews, VOCAL NY. “We need to get people off the streets, into housing and provide services. We need this funding to end the homeless crisis."
"My home allows me to feel safe, stable and secure,” said Will Woods, Urban Pathways. “The need for more affordable housing is more glaring than ever. We know what models work."
"Children are the ones who will benefit the most: they don’t have a voice and they lose a lot being in family shelters,” said Rhonda Jackson, Family Homelessness Coalition. “Please think about the children whose hopes and dreams can be envisioned."
"Rental assistance both helps people get out of homeless AND prevents people from falling into homelessness." said Philip Malebranche, Care for the Homeless.
“The crisis of homelessness is so tragic because we know it’s solvable. To end homelessness, society must invest in prevention assistance to help people facing housing instability.” Chris Mann, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Win.
“There are generations of kids who are hurt by this system,” said Kadisha LAST NAME, Hear Our Voices. “The kids are our future. Not having proper housing will affect the rest of their lives. I implore you to invest in these programs that will help families and our future.”
See below for Capitol Hill Day One-Pagers for more information:
Overview of the Homelessness Crisis
The Need for Affordable Housing
Policy Ask #1: $32.1 billion for Housing Choice Vouchers
Policy Ask #2: $3.6 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants