Katie Moy (Supportive Housing Network) on federal funding cuts and supportive housing vacancies
Moy warns of $200 million in potential HUD cuts through the Continuum of Care program, urges converting HASA units to NYC 1515, expediting sealed unit openings with NYPD, and expediting one-shot deal applications for supportive housing tenants to reduce court filings.
My name is Katie Moy, and I am the Policy and Programs Manager at the Supportive Housing Network of New York, a membership organization representing over 200 nonprofits that develop, own, and operate supportive housing across the state.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
The network would first like to thank the City Council and the Progressive Caucus for your support over the last few years with the New York City 1515 Reallocation Plan, which has resulted in the promise of 5,000 new congregate units,
a new supportive preservation program, and rental assistance for programs in need.
We also want to thank you for the inclusion of a flexible repair fund for supportive housing units in this year's budget advocacy.
While the network remains neutral on the bills discussed today, we look forward to building on our collaboration with the Council as our members continue to face uncertainty at the federal level.
With looming unprecedented funding cuts from HUD, the city stands to lose close to $200 million through the Continuum of Care program, with no contingency plan in place to ensure tenants remain housed and programs stay open.
The network and its members urge the council and the administration to work with the state to identify feasible solutions.
to secure New York City's current supportive housing stock in the likely event that the federal administration is successful in reducing funding.
In the meantime, the city can take steps right now to do the following, related to some of the topics discussed today.
One, address persistent vacancies in the HASA portfolio by supporting the conversion of HASA units to New York City 1515.
Expanding access to those units to the people living on the street or in shelter.
Two, working with the NYPD and the public administrator's offices to expedite the opening of sealed units, ensuring timely turnover and re-rentals to people experiencing homelessness.
And lastly, third, advise the Department of Social Services to expedite the one-shot deal applications for tenants in supportive housing, reducing housing court filings, and supporting tenants in reducing arrears.
The network is committed to continuing our work together to strengthen the supportive housing model and ensure that New Yorkers have access to safe and stable housing.
Thank you again.