New York State
- Pass the SAFE Shelter Act A.3264/S.7738 (Hevesi/Gounardes) to provide single individuals access to domestic violence shelters
New York’s funding model for DV shelter providers pays based on the number of individuals served, not households so, when a single adult stays in a room with two beds providers can only claim 50% of the funding. This fiscal penalty threatens the fiscal viability of the domestic violence shelter system for everyone. The SAFE Shelter Act amends the funding formula to allow for the full cost of providing services to a single adult in a unit with two beds.
- Expand funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) to $250 million
Housing affordability is a top concern for New Yorkers across the state. In New York City 1 in 7 children are homeless and looming federal cuts could jeopardize the housing stability of thousands more. New York State must ramp up its investment in this critical rental assistance program to help as many households as possible to maintain housing stability and/or exit shelters.
- Fund a 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) for NYS Human Services contracts
New York relies on human service providers to operate critical programs, but rates do not keep pace with rising costs. Rates must be adjusted to account for inflation and, those adjustments must include all human services programs such as DV services and NYSSHP, not just those enumerated in the COLA statute, so that providers can continue to provide quality care for vulnerable New Yorkers.
New York City
- Implement a Quarterly Payment System for DHS shelter contracts (Int. 1392/Adams)
There is a right to shelter in New York City but because of chronic late payments to the nonprofit service providers that uphold it, a vital component of our safety net is at risk. The sector owed over $189,000,000 for services already rendered pushing many nonprofits to a breaking point. Moving to a quarterly payment system will provide necessary regular cashflow, restoring providers to fiscal solvency while still ensuring accountability.
- Update the model budget to restore dignity to DHS shelters by modernizing aging facilities
The shelter system is aging and, despite historic investments in 2018 to improve conditions with the implementation of model budgets, the rates were not indexed to inflation and shelters are struggling. To ensure access to quality food, robust services, and dignified living spaces the City must update the rates to ensure access to high quality care that helps them get back on their feet.
- Streamline access to supportive housing by replicating VOA-GNY’s Street to Home program
Many people experiencing homelessness take refuge in our streets and subways, unable to navigate the complex process to obtain housing. Street to Home leverages vacant supportive housing units and provides immediate access to a home in an SRO. The paperwork is completed after move in, allowing tenants to bypass shelter and receive the care they need to thrive in a home of their own.
Northern New Jersey
Our Northern New Jersey division (VOA-NNJ) provides innovative housing, health, and wealth-building services to youth and adults who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Through programs in Middlesex, Union, Hudson, Bergen, and Passaic Counties, we help more than 400 people achieve housing stability each year, with a focus on behavioral health services for adults and independent living programs for youth working toward self-sufficiency.
VOA-NNJ operates Community Support Services (CSS), youth services, and CARF-accredited residential services in numerous sites across Union, Middlesex, Passaic, and Hudson counties with the potential and desire to expand into other counties in Northern New Jersey as allowed by our charter.
We move towards our goal to end homelessness by focusing on three key pillars: the provision of housing, health, and wealth-building services.
- Housing
We call for improved access to supportive housing and shelter, expanded rental assistance, and increased affordable housing development.
- Housing Bill Priorities
A5432/S4280: Establishes standards for determining an unconscionable rent increase; excludes from public access landlord tenant records in certain circumstances.
A1678/S1083: Establishes a “Homeless Bill of Rights”
A3282/S268: Revises “Homelessness Prevention Program”; requires new charge for filing of eviction action.
- Health Services
We support expanding access to medical and mental health care by layering services, expanding pilot programs, improving care coordination between providers, and lobbying for increased funding.
- Health Services Bill Priorities
A5496: Establishes Behavioral Mental Health Advisory Board in Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in DHS.
A5912: “New Jersey Public Option Health Care Act.”
- Wealth-Building Services
We advocate for improving access to and administration of public assistance, reducing the “benefit cliff,” and expanding access to microloans and other economic empowerment services.
- Wealth-Building Services Bill Priorities
A3277/S4171: Establishes “Guaranteed Income Pilot Program” in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for residents of certain cities.
S4258: Requires county welfare agency to provide financial planning services.