Policy win: New York State Legislature Passes SAFE Shelter Act

NEW YORK, NY (May 15, 2026) – Volunteers of America-Greater New York, an anti-poverty organization with a 130-year history of serving the greater New York region, released the following statement in response to the passage of the SAFE Shelter Act in the New York State Legislature:

“We want to thank the New York State Legislature for standing up for survivors of domestic violence by passing the SAFE Shelter Act, which, if signed into law, will ensure survivors seeking shelter without children have equitable access to domestic violence shelter beds. 

This legislation, which modernizes funding structures for domestic violence shelters, will be instrumental to our ability as providers to stop the cycle of violence for thousands of single New Yorkers – many of whom are LGBTQ+, trafficking survivors, or older adults – who face major systemic obstacles when seeking refuge from abuse. 

Domestic violence shelters should be solely focused on supporting survivors with the greatest need, not worrying about how we will retain critical funding.

“This progress would not have been possible without the leadership and advocacy of sponsors Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi. 

“We urge Governor Hochul to live up to her promise of being a champion for survivors of domestic violence by signing the SAFE Shelter Act into law. ”