2024 Tenant of the Year Nominee Celebration

On February 18th the Network joined tenants nominated for the Network’s 2024 Outstanding Tenant of the Year award and supportive housing staff at Trinity Commons Parish Hall for a celebration.

The Network Testifies at NYC Council General Welfare Hearing and NYS Joint Assembly and Senate Budget Hearing on Human Services

On February 12th, Network Director of Policy Tierra Labrada testified at the New York City Council Committee on General Welfare HASA Oversight Hearing highlighting the challenges in the referral process, the lack of data transparency and the cost of inaction. On February 12th, Network Chief Policy Officer Rebecca Zangen testified at the New York State Senate and Assembly Joint Budget Hearing on Human Services to advocate for the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP).

The Network Hosts its 2025 Annual State Lobby Day

On February 3rd the Network hosted its 2025 State Lobby Day at the State Capitol in Albany. Over 200 supportive housing staff and tenants from across the state joined us to advocate for critical funding for supportive housing programs: the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) and the Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP), as well as to pass the Supportive Housing Modernization Act (S136/A2134), and include a 7.8% investment in the human services sector in the final state budget. The day included more than 70 meetings with representatives, a lunch program and a press conference.

Unique People Services Breaks Ground on Ogden Theatre Apartments

On January 31st, Unique People Services (UPS) joined project partners to break ground on Ogden Theatre Apartments. Once complete, this supportive/affordable residence will bring 85 affordable apartments, including 51 supportive, to the Highbridge section of the Bronx. The Ogden Theatre Apartments will be built on the site of a former movie theatre that was repurposed and turned into a bowling alley and church. Onsite services will be provided by Unique People under the NYC 15/15 Initiative funded by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Governor Hochul Releases FY26 Executive Budget

On Tuesday, January 21st, Governor Hochul released her 2025-26 Executive Budget, totaling $252 billion, a 3.6% increase over last year.

The Mayor’s FY26 Preliminary Budget

On January 16th, Mayor Adams released the FY26 Preliminary Budget, which totals $114.5 billion, marking a $2 billion increase from the FY25 adopted budget. The Mayor highlighted the closure of a $5.5 billion budget gap and announced a $2.3 billion surplus carried forward from FY25 into FY26, alongside increased tax revenues of $3 billion projected across FY25 and FY26.

Rebecca Zangen on CONNECT NY

On December 30th, Network Chief Policy Officer Rebecca Zangen was featured on PBS' CONNECT NY episode on homelessness, with a focus on upstate communities. Rebecca spoke to the fact that 9,000 first-generation supportive housing units are at risk due to severe underfunding and the need for the state to increase funding for supportive housing.

Supportive Housing Pioneer Father John McVean Passes

Sadly, on December 20th, our community lost the last of the ‘fathers of supportive housing’: Father John McVean of St. Francis Friends of the Poor. Father McVean along with Father John Felice created the very first supportive housing residence, what came to be known as St. Francis 1. His legacy is enormous, having spurred a model of safe dignified housing that, in the 44 years since its inception has now grown to homes for more than 62,000 individuals and families.

Network Promotions

Joelle Ballam-Schwan has been promoted to Director of Programs and Engagement.

Tierra Labrada has been promoted to Director of Policy.

Ashanti Lee has been promoted to Engagement and Communications Associate.

February Awareness Month Spotlights

The Network celebrated Black History Month with member spotlights on social media.

Supportive housing advocates rally for increased funding in New York

S upportive housing units look to Albany for support

Legislature braces for N.Y. housing voucher budget fight

Comings & Goings

Karuna Mehta is the new Vice President of Real Estate Development at Comunilife
Roxanne Marin is the new Executive Director at Catholic Charities Housing of Albany

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