Posted on November 19, 2015 by Jacquelyn Simone This week, Mayor de Blasio made history by announcing a plan to create 15,000 units of supportive housing in New York City over the next 15 years. This is the largest commitment to supportive housing made by any mayor, and its importance cannot be overstated. Supportive housing, which pairs permanent affordable housing with on-site support services, is proven to end the trauma of homelessness and provide lasting stability for the most vulnerable individuals. The newly announced units will be designated for people struggling with mental illness, HIV/AIDS and other special needs, as well as veterans and survivors of domestic violence. The model is both compassionate and cost-effective, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars per unit in averted shelter, hospital and jail costs. At a time when more New Yorkers than ever before are languishing in crowded shelters or suffering on our streets, the City’s historic commitment will have a tremendous impact on the lives of our neighbors in need. But we still need the State’s participation to reach the necessary goal of 30,000 units in New York City plus an additional 5,000 statewide. Please call on Governor Cuomo to match the Mayor’s commitment of 15,000 units in New York City and work with other New York State localities to create 5,000 additional units statewide. Mary Brosnahan, the Coalition’s President & CEO, praised the Mayor’s historic announcement yesterday, while reiterating the need for Governor Cuomo to match the Mayor’s commitment and truly make this a “New York/New York” agreement.
