Testimonies

VOA-GNY released a statement in response to the FY27 New York State Enacted Budget, acknowledging steps toward supporting vulnerable New Yorkers and the human services workforce, advancing affordable housing development, and preserving supportive housing, while calling for increased investment to address the scale New York’s housing and homelessness crisis. 

VOA-GNY released a statement in response to the New York State Legislature’s passage of the SAFE Shelter Act to ensure equitable access to domestic violence shelter for all survivors.

VOA-GNY released a statement in response to new CityFHEPS administrative barriers introduced in Mayor Mamdani’s FY27 Executive Budget.

VOA-GNY delivered testimony to the NYC Council on reforms to strengthen the Fair Fares for low-income New Yorkers, including automatic enrollment, replacement cards, unlimited transfers, and expanded reduced-fare access on Metro-North, LIRR, and Access-A-Ride.

VOA-GNY testified before the NYC Council on the impact of delayed contract payments, which strain providers and disrupt critical services. We urged full implementation of Local Law 11, increased agency staffing, and passage of Intro 0452 to ensure fair wages for human service workers.

Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) released the following statement in response to Mayor Mamdani’s decision to appeal the CityFHEPS expansion laws.

VOA-GNY testified before the NYC Council Education Committee on work to support students in temporary housing, including Operation Backpark®, which provides high-quality, age-appropriate school supplies. We urged the Council to continue funding Operation Backpack to ensure every child in NYC shelters starts the year prepared again.

VOA-GNY submitted testimony to the NYC Council on YouthBuild’s success in supporting young people facing systemic barriers to complete their education, gain workforce training, and access sustainable construction careers. We urged the Council to restore funding for YouthBuild to ensure young New Yorkers can continue to succeed.