“We applaud Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to address the needs of the homeless, but the scale of the crisis requires a more comprehensive approach to preventing and reducing homelessness. Almost 70% of homeless New Yorkers are children and their families. Permanent housing with services for homeless and at-risk families, access to safe and appropriate shelter (and post-shelter services), and greater educational stability for children in shelter are needed.

“This year’s City budget offers an ideal opportunity to strengthen the administration’s pledge to reduce homelessness and improve child and family wellbeing. Essential steps the administration should take include: increasing housing set-asides for homeless families; making new investments in homelessness prevention and post-shelter services; and baselining and increasing resources for Bridging the Gap social workers in city public schools. “

# # #

The Family Homelessness Coalition, a coalition representing service providers, housing providers, children’s organizations, and advocacy organizations, urges New York City to launch a coordinated, multi-agency, collaborative effort focused on the needs of homeless children and their families to prevent homelessness where possible, improve the well-being of children and families in shelter, and support the long-term stability of children and families who leave shelter.

The Family Homelessness Coalition is:

Advocates for Children of New York

Barrier Free Living

CAMBA

Citizens Committee for Children

Coalition for the Homeless

Enterprise Community Partners

Gateway Housing

Henry Street Settlement

Homeless Services United

Monadnock Development

New Destiny Housing Corporation

RiseBoro Community Partnership

Safe Horizon

Settlement Housing Fund

The Floating Hospital

Women in Need

Contact:            Lupe Todd-Medina

Lupe@Effectivemediastrategies.com

347.560.9141