Public Policy

VOA-GNY responds to Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State, applauding proposals that expand rent freeze programs for seniors and people with disabilities, strengthen food assistance, and expedite affordable housing, while urging deeper investment in people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, and the human services workforce.

NY1 Noticias reported on the rally to support the passage of Intro 29 and highlighted lesser-known symptoms of TBI.

Eric Lee, Director of Public Policy at VOA-GNY, was included on the list for advancing policy that supports New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

New York City owes over $1 billion for rendered critical social services, reports The New York Times.

Catherine Trapani, AVP of Public Policy at VOA-GNY, earned the recognition as a longtime advocate for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Volunteers of America-Greater New York along with elected officials and community leaders were urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the SAFE Shelter Act that would help single domestic violence survivors have access to safe shelter.

“We have a responsibility to meet domestic violence survivors where they are at when seeking shelter. The SAFE Shelter Act would ensure that providers can serve those who need it most without risking fiscal insolvency. Signing this legislation is a logical and important next step for Gov. Hochul to take to ensure New York is a safe haven for domestic violence survivors — no matter whether they are on this journey with family members or alone.” Catherine Trapani, AVP of Public Policy at Volunteers of America-Greater New York joins Wendy Linsalata, Executive Director of L.I. AgainstDomestic Violence, urging Governor Hochul…

“Our work in New Jersey builds on a foundation of success, following similar initiatives led by First Place for Youth in California. Through My First Place, we are helping current and former foster youth ages 18-23, or “older foster youth,” identify and achieve educational goals that will put them on the path to college or employment. We also provide financial literacy tutoring and, most importantly, fully subsidized housing throughout this process.” Read the full op-ed by VOA-GNY Assistant Vice President for Northern New Jersey, Paula Turso, in New Jersey Herald.

New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías writes about the link between traumatic brain injuries and domestic violence, urging City Hall to pass legislation to increase public awareness of TBIs in domestic violence survivors.

Almost half of all homeless youth in NYC identify as LGBTQ+. VOA-Greater New York’s Sandra Márquez outlines the two-pronged approach the city can take to address this crisis.