Res 0344-2022

By the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams) and Council Members Sanchez, Stevens, Mealy, Restler, Joseph, Hudson, Far�as, Abreu, Nurse, Barron, De La Rosa, Hanif, Narcisse, Avil�s, Cab�n, Won, Oss�, Vel�zquez and Louis Whereas, According to the Coalition for the Homeless, a tenant advocacy organization, homelessness in New York City has reached the highest levels since the Great Depression of the 1930s; and Whereas, In March 2022 there were 48,524 homeless people, including 15,087 homeless children; and Whereas, Coalition for the Homeless has stated that the primary reason for homelessness, particularly among families, is the lack of affordable housing; and Whereas, The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has determined that housing access voucher programs provide households access to safer neighborhoods and lead to better outcomes for families and children; and Whereas, New Yorkers should not be denied access to safe long-term housing because of a lack of financial resources; and Whereas, Whereas, A.4021, sponsored by Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal in the New York State Assembly, and companion bill, S.568, introduced by State Senator Brian Kavanagh in the New York State Senate, would require the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal to implement a rental assistance program in the form of housing vouchers, known as the Housing Access Voucher Program, for eligible individuals and families who are homeless or are on the verge of losing their home; and Whereas, A.4021/S.568A, would create a pathway for people who are homeless and reduce the number of people without housing in New York State; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.4021/S.568A, in relation to establishing a housing access voucher program JLC/AS LS 4754, 8287 3/29/2023