April 5, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT BY THE FAMILY HOMELESSNESS COALITION
RE: THE NEW YORK STATE BUDGET
Monday, April 1, 2019 – NEW YORK, NY – The Family Homelessness Coalition, a coalition representing service providers, housing providers, children’s organizations, and advocacy organizations, released the following statement following the release of the New York State budget:
“While the state’s improved economy is a good thing, rising rents and a lack of home affordability are driving more and more New Yorkers to the brink of homelessness. This growing crisis calls for innovative policy solutions that can truly move the needle in increasing housing stability for New York families and individuals.
“Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and Senator Liz Krueger’s legislation to create a statewide rental subsidy with the Home Stability Support Program is commendable. Unfortunately, the state’s 2020 adopted budget fails to create this statewide rental subsidy. This leaves the most vulnerable New Yorkers without the necessary resources needed to break the barriers to stable housing after experiencing homelessness or its likelihood.
“Stopgap measures are not enough. For families at risk of homelessness, stability is the answer. We remain committed to making a statewide rent subsidy a reality. We challenge the state legislature and Gov. Cuomo to build upon the steps taken in this year’s budget, and work with us to ensure that at risk families are better able to move from crisis to stability.”
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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