What We Do
Public Policy
Creating transformational change and reshaping systems in our fight to end homelessness
We draw upon the expertise of our staff and the lived experience of our clients to fight for change.
VOA-GNY tirelessly advocates for the needs of those we serve, our staff, and our sector by seeking better policies, systems, and processes. We educate about the root causes of homelessness, advocate for critical funding, and propose public policy that is informed by data and experience.
Given our experience as part of the coalition that ended chronic homelessness for veterans in New York City, we know that public policy and partnerships play a crucial role in advancing our vision.
Public Policy by the Numbers
Our advocacy efforts span two states and three levels of government. Public policy is integral to advancing our vision.
300%
Increase in funding from NYC Council as a result of lobbying efforts in 2024, totalling more than $600K
27
Testimonies delivered by VOA-GNY staff before NY and NJ legislative bodies in 2024
36
NYC Councillors co-sponsored Intro. 29—a bill resulting from our domestic violence/brain injury screening initiative
Areas of Focus
A Supported Workforce
Advocating for living wages for human service workers including COLA advocacy and wage board legislation.
Housing
Calling for improved access to shelter and supportive housing, expanded rental assistance and the development of more housing for low-income households.
Health Services
Expanding access to medical and mental health care by layering on services, expanding pilot programs, improving care coordination between providers, and lobbying for increased funding.
Wealth-Building Services
Helping clients thrive by improving access to and administration of public assistance, reducing the “benefits cliff” and expanding access to micro-loans and other economic empowerment services.
Financial Sustainability
Diversifying our revenue streams by cultivating relationships with government leaders to secure discretionary funding and uplifting VOA-GNY’s public profile to attract new funders.
Infrastructure Improvement
Improving our ability to provide high-quality services by striving to preserve and update our housing stock, calling for solutions to late government payments and unreimbursed interest, and streamlining contracting and payment practices.
Improving Access to City Services for Homeless New Yorkers: VOA-GNY Testimony to the NYC Council
Supporting Human Services Workers and Providers: VOA-GNY Testimony to the NYC Council Committee on Contracts
Investing in New York’s Housing Continuum: VOA-GNY Testimony at the NYS Housing Budget Hearing
We are proud members of:
- The Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY)
- Homeless Services United (HSU)
- The Human Services Council (HSC)
- The New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH)
- Nonprofit New York
- The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey
- The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
- The Health and Housing Consortium
- The New York Housing Conference
- Family Homelessness Coalition
- Housing Access New York
“With [Intro. 29], New York has a chance to lead again—this time, by addressing a long-overlooked public health crisis affecting millions.”
Help us end homelessness in our community
Our vision is to end homelessness in Greater New York. With your support, change is possible.