Testimonies

VOA-GNY responds to Mayor Mamdani’s decision to halt implementation of the CityFHEPS expansion laws, calling for immediate action to prevent homelessness before it starts and ease strain on the shelter system.

VOA-GNY testified before the City Council on the adequacy of the City’s Cold Blue response efforts in protecting New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, offering recommendations to improve outreach coordination, shelter quality, and expedited pathways to housing to save lives during extreme cold and beyond.

VOA-GNY celebrates New Jersey’s enactment of the Municipal Housing Trust Fund and Code Red, landmark laws that strengthen local homelessness prevention efforts and protect people experiencing homelessness during extreme heat and poor air quality.

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.

VOA-GNY testified in support of Code Red (S2346/A2258), which would guarantee access to cooling centers during dangerous heat and poor air quality to protect people experiencing homelessness and others at heightened risk, including those taking psychiatric medications.

VOA-GNY’s transition recommendations for the Mayor-elect to reduce homelessness, expand affordable and supportive housing, strengthen access to public benefits and rental assistance, and partner with nonprofits to improve housing, health, and wealth outcomes across New York City.

VOA-GNY testified before the New York City Council on improving the CityFHEPS rental assistance program so all eligible households can attain and sustain permanent housing across the city.

As both a powerful housing intervention and an opportunity to fill supportive housing vacancies, VOA-GNY’s Street to Home pilot offers a solution to chronic street homelessness in New York City.