Categories: New York City
05.14.2026
On May 13th, the Network attended the New York State Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board meeting and provided testimony on the need for dedicated funding for harm reduction and substance use services in supportive housing.
Network Director of Programs and Engagement spoke during the public comment period, stating, “Providing harm reduction and recovery-oriented services in supportive housing is essential, but it is extremely challenging given chronic underfunding and wide disparities in service rates across programs. Where funding is sufficient, providers have implemented strong harm reduction models: staff trained to respond to overdoses, access to Narcan and safer use supplies, substance checking services, and peer support for those in recovery.
We urge the Board and State agencies to invest in expanding these proven approaches. Harm reduction saves lives. Supportive housing must be equipped to respond to the reality of opioid use across New York State.”
Network member Lantern Community Services also provided testimony. Irene Walcott, Vice President of Behavioral Health, commented: “Lantern is quite lucky, as we have been able to cultivate harm reduction and overdose prevention capacity organizationally over the past 5-6 years, thanks to innovative grant funding we have actively sought out. These trauma-informed, skilled services keep people alive, create community and care connections, and concretely enhance quality of life.
However, our ability to offer them equitably and sustainably across our programs is, and will become more, limited without increased, dedicated funding for harm reduction and recovery services in supportive housing and shelter. I urge the Advisory Board and State agencies to join us in this life saving, life-affirming work.”
A former supportive housing tenant at Lantern Community Services and current harm reduction activist and trainer Brian Carmichael, also shared their experience, “I spent over half my life incarcerated and dealing with drug addiction. I was in and out of the process and I couldn’t’ shake it, it until I found supportive housing and harm reduction. There, I met people who wanted to meet me where I was at, and not push me into any one thing. I just knew they were there to help. Through that process, over the past 7 years, I got off parole, got my addiction under control, and now I work with them to teach staff harm reduction.”
The next meeting is set for June 30th, 2026. If you are interested in joining the Network to provide public comment to advocate for funding for harm reduction and substance use services in supportive housing, please contact jballam-schwan@shnny.org.