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I want to share an important and hopeful development for domestic violence survivors and families relying on Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs).
On September 29, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued guidance that would provide Tenant Protection Vouchers to households under an EHV lease as of September 30, converting their rental assistance to the Housing Choice Voucher program by the end of December. If it is carried out as written, families would be able to stay in their homes without moving (see the notice here).
This is real progress, and it reflects a year of advocacy by New Destiny, survivors, coalition partners, and Congress. However, important steps remain. HUD must confirm that each housing authority receives enough funding to cover all of its families, NYCHA must complete the conversion, and assistance beyond December 2026 depends on future federal appropriations.
Our work does not stop here. New Destiny will keep advocating until every EHV household has a real, lasting solution.
Thank you for standing with us.
Nicole Branca
CEO
| | Bisnow spoke with our Vice President of External Affairs and NYC Continuum of Care (CoC) co-chair, Gabriela Sandoval Requena, about the uncertain future of HUD's CoC program — the federal funding that supports permanent housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. In New York City alone, it contributes more than $200 million to the city's homelessness response. | | | |
New Destiny relies on this funding to serve about 350 households through our Housing Access and Stability Services program — survivors finding and keeping homes of their own across the city. We will continue to advocate for it.
Read the full article here.
| | We joined the Homes Can't Wait Coalition for a rally on the steps of City Hall before the City Council hearing on CityFHEPS improvements, the City's rental assistance program. Alongside Council Members Crystal Hudson and Lincoln Restler, our Policy and Advocacy Manager, Maritza Rico, shared testimony from a survivor of domestic violence who found safety and stability through an EHV. Her story underscored the critical role housing assistance plays in helping survivors rebuild their lives. Watch our recap reel here. | |
At the hearing, Maritza provided feedback on the proposed legislative package to improve CityFHEPS, based on our Fixing CityFHEPS recommendations, and pressed for a concrete plan to keep EHV households in their homes.
She also testified before the Council Committee on Housing and Buildings on the Mayor's housing plan, the City's new rental assistance program, and the future of NYCHA EHVs, urging the administration to reaffirm its commitment to survivors' access to safe, stable housing. Read our written testimonies here.
| | Returning to Lead Our Mental Health Services | | Nicole Blash is re-joining New Destiny as Director of Mental Health Services. A licensed clinical social worker with more than a decade of experience in behavioral health, medical social work, and community-based services, she holds a master's degree in psychology from Iona College and a master's in social work from Adelphi University. Throughout her career, Nicole has provided clinical services to adults, adolescents, and families in primary care, substance use treatment programs, and supportive housing. | | | |
Housing is where recovery begins, but it isn't where it ends. Nicole's leadership will deepen the trauma-informed care we provide to survivors and their families long after they have keys in hand.
Welcome back, Nicole!
| | Meet Johanna Juarez, Senior Case Manager at Raven Hall: | “My name is Johanna Juarez, and I’m a Senior Case Manager dedicated to providing resources and direct assistance to survivors of domestic violence and vulnerable individuals. I especially value working with clients whose primary language isn’t English and individuals from diverse backgrounds. | | | |
As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the obstacles families can face. Being an advocate allows me to create a safe space where families feel supported, empowered, and confident to speak up for themselves, while celebrating their milestones along the way.
Outside of work, I love running and traveling! This year, I’ll be running my first NYC Marathon on behalf of New Destiny, with my family, friends, and coworkers cheering me on. I also enjoy exploring new places and making memories along the way.”
Johanna is one of eleven runners on Team New Destiny, together working toward a $40,000 goal. Race day is November 1.
| | Welcoming Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business | | This month, we welcomed members of Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business (HUWIB) to our main office for a career roundtable! Nicole Branca, CEO; Nicholas Lundgren, General Counsel; Jasmine Wang, Controller; and Derek Brennan, Senior Project Manager, discussed leadership, nonprofit careers, and creating meaningful social impact. | | Our 2025 Annual Report Is Here | | |
Last year, with your support, New Destiny served 2,545 adults and children. Among survivors living in our supportive housing, 99.7% remained stably housed and 98.3% remained free from violence.
The report tells the fuller story: Lily House reopening with 30 permanent homes, McLean Place going into construction, advocacy that expanded housing access for survivors across the city, and so much more.
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We're Hiring!
Join our team! Some of our current job openings are:
To see the complete list of job opportunities, click here.
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