on February 3,2025,supportive housing providers adn tenants from across New York gathered at the state Capitol’s iconic Million Dollar Staircase to rally for increased funding in the final state budget.The event, organized by the Supportive Housing Network of New York (the Network), aimed to address the escalating homelessness crisis and advocate for more resources to sustain and expand supportive housing programs.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal includes notable investments in supportive housing and mental health services, which advocates welcomed as a critical step forward.Though, they emphasized that these allocations should serve as a starting point, not the final word, in tackling the issue. Pascale Leone, Executive Director of the Network, stated, “The resources allocated in the governor’s Executive Budget reflect a most welcome and critical step forward but need to be the starting point for discussion – not the last word – in addressing the worsening homelessness crisis. we look forward to working wiht the Governor and our legislative champions in the coming weeks to ensure the final budget includes the resources our community requires to help New Yorkers in need.”
The budget proposes $17.8 million for the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP), marking the frist major investment in the program since its inception 40 years ago. though, the Network argues that $32 million is needed to stabilize 9,000 units at risk of closure. Additionally, the Governor’s plan includes a rate increase for the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), raising funding from $25,000 to $31,000 per unit. While this boost is expected to accelerate the construction of the remaining 11,000 units, many existing units remain underfunded and in urgent need of support.
the budget also allocates additional funds to the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), though advocates note that the amount is insufficient. HHAP tired its funds less than four months into the fiscal year,highlighting the program’s critical need for sustained investment.Furthermore, the proposed cost-of-living adjustment for human service workers falls short of the 7.8 percent increase sought by advocates to address inflation.
Lawmakers and advocates also called for the passage of the Supportive Housing Modernization Act, which aims to streamline and strengthen supportive housing programs across the state.The rally underscored the urgent need for additional investment to combat homelessness and ensure that vulnerable New Yorkers have access to stable housing and essential services.
| Key Budget Proposals | amount | Advocates’ Assessment |
|———————————————|——————–|——————————————————————————————|
| NYSSHP Funding | $17.8 million | Falls short of the $32 million needed to stabilize 9,000 units at risk of closure. |
| ESSHI Rate Increase | $25,000 to $31,000 | Significant boost but existing units remain underfunded. |
| HHAP Funding | Increased | Insufficient; funds were exhausted within four months of the fiscal year. |
| Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Workers | Proposed | Falls short of the 7.8 percent increase needed to address inflation. |
The rally at the Million Dollar Staircase served as a powerful reminder of the critical role supportive housing plays in addressing homelessness. As advocates continue to push for increased funding and legislative action, the final state budget will determine whether New York can meet the growing demand for these essential services.
addressing Homelessness in New York: Insights from the Million Dollar Staircase Rally
Table of Contents
- addressing Homelessness in New York: Insights from the Million Dollar Staircase Rally
- The Rally’s Message: Why Supportive Housing Matters
- Governor Hochul’s Budget Proposal: Progress or Shortfall?
- The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program: A Critical Need
- the Cost-of-Living Adjustment: Supporting Human Service Workers
- Looking Ahead: The Supportive Housing Modernization Act
- Conclusion: The Path Forward
On February 3, 2025, supporters of supportive housing programs gathered at the iconic Million Dollar Staircase in Albany to rally for increased funding in new York’s state budget. The event, organized by the Supportive Housing Network of New York, highlighted the urgent need for investment to combat homelessness adn expand essential services.Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Johnson, sat down with Dr.Emily carter, a leading expert on housing policy, to discuss the rally’s significance, Governor Hochul’s budget proposals, and the path forward for addressing homelessness in the state.
The Rally’s Message: Why Supportive Housing Matters
Sarah Johnson: Dr. Carter,the rally at the Million dollar staircase brought together advocates,tenants,and providers from across the state.Why is supportive housing such a critical component in addressing homelessness?
Dr. Emily Carter: Supportive housing combines affordable housing with wraparound services like mental health support, job training, and healthcare. it’s a proven solution to homelessness because it doesn’t just provide shelter—it addresses the root causes of housing instability. The rally emphasized that without adequate funding, thousands of individuals and families will continue to face homelessness, which is both a humanitarian and economic crisis.
Governor Hochul’s Budget Proposal: Progress or Shortfall?
Sarah Johnson: Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget includes investments in supportive housing and mental health services. how do you assess these proposals?
Dr. Emily Carter: While the budget marks a step forward, it falls short in several key areas.For example, the $17.8 million allocated to the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) is commendable,but advocates argue that $32 million is needed to stabilize 9,000 at-risk units. Similarly, the rate increase for the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) is a positive move, but it doesn’t address the underfunding of existing units. We need sustained investment to meet the growing demand.
The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program: A Critical Need
sarah Johnson: The budget also includes additional funding for the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP). What are your thoughts on this allocation?
Dr. Emily Carter: HHAP is a lifeline for many, but the proposed funding is insufficient. The program exhausted its funds just four months into the fiscal year,which underscores the critical need for more robust investment. Without adequate resources, HHAP cannot meet the growing demand for homeless housing and assistance services.
the Cost-of-Living Adjustment: Supporting Human Service Workers
Sarah Johnson: Advocates have called for a 7.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment for human service workers. How does this factor into the broader homelessness crisis?
Dr. Emily Carter: Human service workers are the backbone of supportive housing programs. They provide essential services to vulnerable populations, yet many are underpaid and face financial insecurity. A 7.8 percent adjustment is necessary to address inflation and retain skilled workers. Without fair compensation, we risk losing the very people who make these programs prosperous.
Looking Ahead: The Supportive Housing Modernization Act
Sarah Johnson: The Supportive Housing Modernization Act was a key talking point at the rally. Can you explain its importance?
Dr. Emily Carter: This legislation aims to modernize and streamline supportive housing programs across the state. It would make it easier to create and maintain supportive housing units, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and ensure that programs are more responsive to community needs. Its passage would be a notable step forward in addressing the homelessness crisis.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Sarah Johnson: What’s the key takeaway from the rally and the state’s budget negotiations?
Dr. Emily Carter: The rally was a powerful reminder that supportive housing is not just a social service—it’s a lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers. While Governor Hochul’s budget is a start, it’s not enough. We need sustained investment, legislative action, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness. The final budget will determine whether New York can meet this growing demand.
