New York – In response to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address today, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, New Destiny Housing and Enterprise Community Partners issued the following statement on behalf of the Family Homelessness Coalition: “The Family Homelessness Coalition is pleased Gov. Hochul recognizes that housing is a human right and unveiled an ambitious plan to build more housing units in the next decade; however, we are deeply disappointed that the governor failed to mention or address the urgent need to invest in rental assistance programs that would ensure New York families currently facing eviction or experiencing rent burden get they help they need now.

New Yorkers need immediate solutions, and we are alarmed that the administration did not commit to funding the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), which would provide rental assistance to families currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes. We are glad to see the governor’s land use proposals, which are necessary to tackle the state’s housing supply issue and ensure that municipalities statewide are helping meet the critical demand. But easing the process of housing production is a long-term strategy that takes years. These proposals must be paired with measures that will give vulnerable households relief now, and we urge the administration to support and fund HAVP in the FY’2024 state budget.”

This statement is from the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, Enterprise Community Partners, and New Destiny Housing on behalf of the Family Homelessness Coalition.

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ABOUT

The Family Homelessness Coalition (FHC) is composed of 18 organizations representing service and housing providers and children’s advocacy organizations. FHC is united by the goal of launching a coordinated, collaborative, multi-agency effort focused on preventing family homelessness, improving the well-being of children and families in shelters, and supporting the long-term stability of families with children who leave shelters.