PRESS RELEASES & RELATED CORRESPONDENCE
Read the Campaign's Press Release on Gov Cuomo's Announcement (Jan 2016)
Read the Campaign's Response to de Blasio Announcement (November 2015)
New York City Council Resolution in Support of Campaign 4 NY/NY housing
LETTERS
PLATFORM
Why New York Needs a New Statewide Supportive Housing Agreement
One out of every seven homeless people in the United States lives in New York. Statewide, there are roughly 67,000 men, women and children staying in shelters at any given time. In New York City (NYC) alone, nearly 59,000 people, including 24,000 children, sleep in a homeless shelter each night. An additional 7,700 people stay in a shelter outside NYC. Thousands of others sleep on the streets or in abandoned buildings and makeshift campsites, while thousands more exit foster care, hospitals and other institutions each year without a home.
Homelessness in New York has nearly doubled in the last decade. New York State (NYS) must end this crisis and invest in the most cost-effective strategy proven to solve homelessness for those with the greatest needs: supportive housing, which pairs affordable housing with on-site supportive services. We call on Governor Cuomo to work with NYC and the other localities with large and growing homeless populations across NYS to create 35,000 units of supportive housing over the next ten years: 30,000 units in NYC and 5,000 units outside NYC.
Supportive housing is by far the most successful way to end homelessness for individuals and families living with disabilities and other challenges. However, there is not nearly enough supply to meet the record need, and the current City-State supportive housing production initiative, the New York/New York III Agreement (NY/NY III), is expiring.
Unfortunately, four out of every five people found eligible for supportive housing in NYC have had to stay in shelter or on the street because there are too few supportive housing units available to meet the current need. Outside of NYC, where there is no NY/NY program, there are even fewer resources.
Supportive Housing Solves Homelessness, Improves Neighborhoods, and Saves Tax Dollars
By almost every measure, supportive housing has been a success. It has:
Reduced use of shelters, hospitals, psychiatric centers and incarceration, for an average net public savings of $10,100 per unit per year;
Decreased chronic homelessness among single adults by 47% in the first five years of the NY/NY III agreement;
Provided stability, as more than 86% of NY/NY III tenants remain housed after one year; and
Raised real estate values for properties located closest to supportive housing developments.
A new statewide NY/NY supportive housing program should continue to prioritize individuals with long histories of homelessness and illness. Specifically, it should:
Target the vast majority of resources toward individuals, families (including adult families) and young adults who are homeless and vulnerable, including those living with serious and persistent mental illnesses, chronic health conditions including HIV/AIDS, and long term addiction. This would include people living on the street and in the various shelter systems. It should continue what NY/NY III began by also allowing certain units targeted toward people exiting institutions into homelessness who have multiple disabilities and/or barriers to obtaining housing on their own.
Allocate greater resources to help those with the greatest needs. Research shows that an estimated 20% of homeless families need housing with onsite supports – more than simple rental assistance – in order to overcome homelessness. Much greater proportions of homeless individuals, particularly those with disabilities, need both the housing and services that supportive housing provides. We recommend dedicating two-thirds of the units in the new statewide NY/NY program to individuals (23,350 units), with the remaining one-third for families (10,150 units) and youth (1,500 units).
Promote creation and use of a coordinated assessment and referral system with a risk assessment tool that can match need with resources, and ensure that the most vulnerable families and individuals can access supportive housing.
Provide adequate funding to operate the housing and provide support services. To be a viable resource, scattered-site supportive housing will need adequate funds to keep pace with market rents over time and all supportive housing will require long-term contracts as well as adequate operating and service funds to provide sufficient supports to help tenants remain healthy and stable.
EVENTS
9.27.17 Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing Steering Committee Honored by The Coalition for Behavioral Health
At the annual Coalition Leadership Awards Reception, The Coalition for Behavioral Health honored the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing Steering Committee with the Advocacy Champion Leadership Award for the successful push for supportive housing.
4.12.17 Celebratory Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Following the release of funds for the first 6,000 supportive housing units in the completed budget, advocates, supportive housing tenants, and homeless New Yorkers gathered to thank State leaders for this historic investment in a proven solution to homelessness.
4.5.17 Thirty-Fifth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
After State leaders failed to pass a budget on time, advocates and homeless New Yorkers returned to call on them to release the supportive housing funds immediately.
3.29.17 Thirty-Fourth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
In the final week of budget negotiations, advocates and homeless New Yorkers urged State leaders to release the supportive housing funds in the final budget.
3.22.17 Thirty-Third Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Faith leaders, homeless New Yorkers, and advocates continued to call for the release of supportive housing funds.
3.15.17 Thirty-Second Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Despite the winter storm, advocates rallied for supportive housing outside the Governor's office.
3.8.17 Thirty-First Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Care for the Homeless clients and staff spoke about the urgent need for supportive housing.
3.1.17 Thirtieth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Advocates continued to call on Gov. Cuomo to meet with legislative leaders and release the funds allocated in last year's budget.
2.22.17 Twenty-Ninth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Staff and clients from The Fortune Society spoke about how the stability of supportive housing can significantly help people reentering the community after incarceration, and called on Gov. Cuomo to immediately release the promised funds.
2.15.17 Twenty-Eighth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
The day after Valentine's Day, advocates urged Gov. Cuomo to have a heart and finish the MOU.
2.8.17 Twenty-Seventh Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Community Access residents and staff led the call for State leaders to release the nearly $2 billion for affordable and supportive housing that has been sitting idle for months.
2.1.17 Twenty-Sixth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
More than a year after Gov. Cuomo made his bold commitment to create 20,000 units of supportive housing, advocates continued to call on him to follow through and release the funds for the first 6,000 of those units.
1.25.17 Twenty-Fifth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Advocates urged Gov. Cuomo to negotiate with State leaders on releasing the funds budgeted last year.
1.18.17 Twenty-Fourth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Lantern Community Services led the call for State leaders to immediately release the promised supportive housing funds.
1.13.17 One-Year Anniversary of Gov. Cuomo's Supportive Housing Pledge
On the one-year anniversary of Gov. Cuomo's 2016 State of the State Address, where he'd pledged 20,000 units of supportive housing over 15 years, faith leaders, elected officials, housing providers and advocates delivered 25,000 messages calling on the Governor to release the promised funds without further delay.
1.11.17 Twenty-Third Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
For the 22nd Wednesday, homeless New Yorkers and supportive housing residents called on State leaders to negotiate and release the desperately needed funds.
1.11.17 Supportive Housing Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Wednesday State of the State Speeches
On the third and final day of the Governor's State of the State addresses, advocates in Syracuse urged him to release the nearly $2 billion for supportive and affordable housing allocated in the 2016 budget.
1.10.17 Supportive Housing Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Tuesday State of the State Speeches
Outside Gov. Cuomo's 2017 State of the State speech in Long Island, advocates continued to call on him to finish the job he outlined in the 2016 address.
1.9.17 Supportive Housing Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Monday State of the State Speeches
Advocates and tenants in New York City called on Gov. Cuomo to fulfill the supportive housing commitment he made in his 2016 State of the State Address.
1.4.17 Supportive Housing Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Speech in Midtown
Dozens of supportive housing residents, homeless men and women, and advocates rallied outside a speech Gov. Cuomo was giving at the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan, urging him to follow through on the supportive housing promise he made nearly a year ago.
12.28.16 Twenty-First Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Homeless New Yorkers and advocates gathered on the last Wednesday of 2016 to call for the release of supportive housing funds.
12.21.16 Supportive Housing Rally at the State Capitol in Albany
On National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, a coalition of faith leaders, advocates and housing providers gathered at the State Capitol in Albany to demand the Governor keep his promise to fund thousands of units of supportive housing for the homeless in communities across New York State.
12.21.16 Twentieth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Advocates and supportive housing residents gathered on Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to call for State leaders to release funds for lifesaving supportive housing.
12.7.16 Nineteenth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Residents and staff from Geel Community Services called for State leaders to release funds for life-saving supportive housing.
11.30.16 Eighteenth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Faith leaders came together to call for supportive housing.
11.23.16 Seventeenth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
The day before Thanksgiving, advocates came together to call on State leaders to follow through on their supportive housing commitment.
11.16.16 Sixteenth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Coalition for the Homeless staff and clients continued to call on State leaders to negotiate and sign the full MOU.
11.9.16 Fifteenth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Community Access urged State leaders to follow through on the promised funds for supportive housing.
11.2.16 Fourteenth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
The Coalition for the Homeless led the call for supportive housing, asking Cuomo, Heastie and Flanagan to get the job done.
10.26.16 Thirteenth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
The Supportive Housing Network of NY and other activists continued to call on State leaders to negotiate and finish the job.
10.19.16 Twelfth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Housing Works led the call for State leaders to sign the MOU and release the funds for desperately needed supportive housing.
10.12.16 Eleventh Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
The Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing led the Campaign's weekly action, bringing together activists and religious leaders from several faiths.
10.5.16 Tenth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Six months after the budget was passed, Campaign members continued to call for State leaders to sign the MOU and release the promised funds for affordable and supportive housing.
9.28.16 Ninth Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
After taking a one-week break, faith leaders, tenants and other members of the Campaign returned to call for Gov. Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan to work together and fully execute the MOU.
9.14.16 Eighth Week of Rallies Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Activists continued to rally outside Gov. Cuomo's office for the eighth consecutive week. Shortly after the rally, the Governor announced that he had taken action on the MOU.
9.7.16 Seventh Week of Rallies Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Housing Works, VOCAL-NY, Coalition for the Homeless and other activists continued to call on Gov. Cuomo to release the funds for the first 6,000 units of the State's supportive housing commitment.
8.31.16 Sixth Week of Rallies Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
The Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing led the call for supportive housing and delivered a letter to the Governor's office signed by more than 170 faith leaders.
8.24.16 Fifth Week of Rallies Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Clients and advocates, including Community Access CEO Steve Coe, spoke about the urgent need for State leaders to sign the full MOU.
8.17.16 Fourth Week of Rallies Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Activists, led by Community Access, continued to call on Governor Cuomo to fully fund the first 6,000 supportive housing units of his 20,000-unit commitment.
8.10.16 Third Week of Rallies Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Members of the faith community joined advocates and clients in calling for supportive housing.
8.3.16 Second Week of Rallies Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Members of the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing, led by VOCAL-NY and Housing Works, continued to pressure the State to sign the MOU as soon as possible.
7.27.16 Rally Outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan Office
Clients and advocates gathered outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan office to tell him to sign the MOU immediately and release the remainder of the $1.9 billion for affordable and supportive housing.
6.21.16 Rally for Albany’s Full Commitment to Supportive Housing
Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, faith leaders, clients and advocates urge Governor Cuomo to keep his promise to homeless New Yorkers and sign the MOU for the full commitment to supportive housing.
The Governor and legislative leaders agree to a single-year allocation of $150 million for supportive housing, short of the 6,000 units over 5 years that had been announced in the final budget presentation.
6.14.16 Faith Leaders Call on Governor Cuomo and Legislative Leaders to Sign MOU
More than 130 faith leaders sign on to a letter encouraging Governor Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Flanagan to sign the memorandum of understanding to release funds for the first 6,000 units of supportive housing. The faith leaders and other advocates host a press conference at the Capitol.
4.1.16 New York State Budget for 2016-2017 Includes Commitment to 6,000 Supportive Housing Units
The Campaign 4 New York/New York Housing applauds Governor Cuomo and the NYS Legislature for making the commitment to build 6,000 new supportive housing units, the funding for which is included in appropriations of nearly $2 billion in the budget and subject to an MOU.
1.13.16 Governor Cuomo Announces Plan to Create 20,000 New State-Funded Supportive Housing Units
During his annual State of the State address, Governor Cuomo unveils his historic commitment to supportive housing.
11.19.15 City Council General Welfare Hearing on Resolution 504 in Support of NY/NY 4
City Councilman Stephen Levin and advocates hold a news conference to publicly support De Blasio’s commitment to create 15,000 in New York City and call on Cuomo to match and fund an additional 15,000 supportive housing units city and statewide, City Hall steps, Manhattan.
Mayor de Blasio Hosts Press Conference to Make Announcement about City’s Supportive Housing plan to develop 15,000 units over the next 15 years.
11.2.15 Faith Leaders' Letter to Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio
Over 250 faith leaders have signed on to a letter to Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio to express how deeply New York's people of faith are committed to the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing so that the most vulnerable among us are treated with dignity.
10.27.15 Petition to Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio
Take action! Join us in urging Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio to negotiate a fourth NY/NY agreement.
10.23.15 PRESS PACKET: Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing Forum on Friday, October 23rd 2015
New York Society for Ethical Culture and Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing Host Forum Calling for 35,000 Units of Supportive Housing Statewide.
10.23.15 MEDIA ADVISORY: Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing Forum on Friday, October 23rd 2015
New York Society for Ethical Culture and Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing Host Forum Calling for 35,000 Units of Supportive Housing Statewide.
10.21.15 Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing Forum on Friday. October 23rd 2015
Forum with elected officials on the City and State Agreement to build 35,000 New Units of Supportive Housing. The event is co-sponsored by the New York Society for Ethical Culture. See event program here.
7.10.15 Assembly Leads Fight For Increased Supportive Housing
New York State Assembly Social Services Chair Andrew Hevesi release a bi-partisan letter to Governor Cuomo signed by 133 members calling for the development of 35,000 new units of supportive housing by 2025 to address the state's growing homelessness crisis.
New Analysis Shows Lack of Supportive Housing Will Add up to 7,600 to Homeless Rolls, Cost Taxpayers up to $1.35 billion over 10 Years.
6.12.15 Rally for a new NY/NY Agreement / Volante en Español
Homeless New Yorkers gather to call on Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio to negotiate a new statewide supportive housing agreement.
2.3.15 Amendment Letter to Governor Cuomo
Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing sends 30 day amendment letter to NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo asking him to revise the budget and fully fund the State share of our NY/NY IV proposal.
City Council Resolution Calls on Governor and Mayor to Reach Urgently Needed Deal to Create Housing for Thousands Living with Disabilities and Mental Illness.
12.4.14 Letter of Support from Assemblymember Marcos A. Crespo
Assemblymember Marcos A. Crespo writes to Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio in support of the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing.
10.10.14 Letter of Support from Assemblymember Andrew D. Hevesi
Assemblymember Andrew D. Hevesi writes to Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio in support of the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing.
7.17.1 Letter of Support from Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal writes to Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio in support of the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing.
Groups Urge Governor & Mayor to Negotiate New Agreement That Builds 15,000 Units of New Supportive Housing, Sets Aside 15,000 Others in New Affordable Housing Developments/Existing Rentals.
5.29.14 Launch of the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing
More than 130 organizations gathered at City Hall on May 29, 2014 to launch the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing, calling on Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio to negotiate a new City-State supportive housing agreement that creates 30,000 units of supportive housing for individuals and families with disabilities & other special needs over the next 10 years.