Read the latest in supportive housing

Governor Releases Executive Budget:

Funds Year Six of ESSHI

The Governor released the 2022 Executive Budget yesterday outlining his proposed budget for the upcoming year. Given the state’s unprecedented challenges -- including a multi-billion dollar budget deficit and uncertainty about federal relief -- supportive housing fared comparatively well.

Critically important, the executive budget provides significant capital funding at both HCR and OTDA to keep the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative open for business for the upcoming year, funding year six of the Governor’s 20,000 unit/15 year commitment. The budget book, meanwhile confirms the state’s intention to make good on the entire 20,000 unit commitment. See here for a statement on this commitment by the Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing.

HPD Capital Budget News

Last week, Mayor de Blasio released the FY 22 Preliminary Budget. The Network is encouraged to see HPD’s total FY 22 capital budget is proposed at $1.45 billion. We were also pleased to see the FY 21 budget updated at $1.43 billion. This includes a restoration, announced in November, of the $466 million that had been cut in the spring.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

All congregate supportive housing is now prioritized for vaccines, although due to limited supplies this process has been slowed. DOHMH issued vaccine guidance on January 13th for licensed and unlicensed congregate mental health supportive housing. But all providers should look at who is currently eligible and identify their nearest vaccine location and potential clinical partners HERE.

Statewide Press Support for a Re-Commitment to ESSHI in State Budget

Seventeen articles, opeds, and tv news stories across the state have highlighted the need for the Governor to fund the next tranche of his 20,000 unit/15 year supportive housing commitment in this year's budget. Funding for first five years/6,000 units of the commitment -- the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative -- has run out and a new commitment is needed to continue the successful program, the first long-term commitment to supportive housing outside New York City.

The Center for Urban Community Services’ Tony Hannigan Steps Down, Joseph DeGenova Named New CEO

In December, Center for Urban Community Services founder Tony Hannigan stepped down from his role as president and CEO of the organization after 37 years at the helm. He will be succeeded by Joe DeGenova, who has been with the organization for 30 years.

Uplifting Staff in Uncertain Times: Links and Resources

COVID-19 has been unyielding in its impact and stress on staff of supportive housing agencies. The Network hosted a discussion with members who have found creative ways to foster a sense of community and joy in a time of isolation and anxiety.

Click here to find a resources and recording of the conversation

The Network Honored as Nonprofit of the Year

In December, the Network was honored as 2020 Nonprofit of the Year by New York Housing Conference at their 47th Annual Awards Program. The Network was celebrated for providing a speedy response and clear channels of communication as supportive housing was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Stakeholders and community partners came together to congratulate the Network.

January Community Corner

When the COVID-19 vaccines were cleared by the FDA in mid-December, a public discussion began about Black Americans’ level of trust in these vaccines and the systems that produce and distribute them. In a study released on December 15th by the nonprofit health policy group KFF, 35% of Black people said they would either definitely not or probably not get the COVID vaccine (compared to 26% Latinx people and 26% white people). In many ways, this conversation is critical, as it highlights the history and current practices of medical abuse, neglect, mistreatment and violence against Black people at the hands of the government and the medical establishment--realities which are all too often ignored.

OPDV Housing Navigator RFP Release

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) has released their Housing Navigator RFP. Proposals are being accepted from NYS domestic violence providers/programs that are licensed and/or approved by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) or other organizations designated by the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) provider directory, but OPDV encourages other agencies to connect with their local domestic violence provider to explore partnership opportunities.