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VOA-GNY on New York State FY27 Enacted Budget  

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. 

NEW YORK, NY (May 28, 2026) – Volunteers of America-Greater New York, an anti-poverty organization with a 130-year history of serving the greater New York region, released the following statement in response to the New York State FY27 Enacted Budget:  

“The FY27 Budget takes important steps toward supporting vulnerable New Yorkers and the human services workforce, advancing affordable housing development, and preserving supportive housing. However, it falls short of the investment needed to address New York’s housing and homelessness crisis. 

New Yorkers are facing skyrocketing housing costs, the unexpected loss of federal Emergency Housing Vouchers, and record homelessness. VOA-GNY is encouraged by efforts to reduce barriers to building affordable housing through the elimination of onerous processes that delay construction, alongside investments in new development and renovation.  

Expanding housing supply is critical, but New York must also invest in the supports that help people move into and remain in permanent housing. The need for rental assistance has never been greater, which is why we are deeply disappointed the Budget does not include new funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), one of the most promising tools to help individuals and families exit homelessness and remain stably housed.  

VOA-GNY applauds the inclusion of a 2.7% inflationary increase for some OMH, OTDA, OASAS, OPWDD, OCFS, and SOFA programs, investments that will help providers continue delivering essential services to New Yorkers in need. However, we are disappointed in the continued exclusion of certain supportive housing and domestic violence programs, as rising operational costs are placing enormous strain on these lifesaving services and shelters.  

The Governor also has an opportunity to support survivors and ease pressure on the domestic violence shelter system by signing the SAFE Shelter Act into law. This legislation would modernize domestic violence funding, remove barriers to emergency housing for single adults, and help providers serve more New Yorkers in crisis. 

We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Governor and Legislature to support New Yorkers in need and advance lasting solutions to homelessness across New York.”