August 4, 2023 State Help for New York City is Key to Ensuring Shelter for Those In Need (NEW YORK, NY) – The Legal Aid Society and Coalition for the Homeless issued the following statement in response to today’s emergency court conference on right to shelter in which the Court ordered the City to submit a proposal to the State by August 9, 2023, identifying the resources and facilities owned, operated and/or controlled by the State which are necessary to assist the City comply with the consent decree in Callahan v. Carey, and the State is directed to respond to this proposal by August 15, 2023: “Since day one, we have called for a whole-of-government response to meet this moment. Not only does this include the Federal government, but, critically, the State as well. “The State must utilize its authority and jurisdiction to immediately provide the resources and coordination necessary for the City to accommodate all who are in need of shelter. No New Yorker wants to see more individuals or families relegated to the streets, and we need leadership from all government officials to ensure that this potential reality never comes to fruition. “We hope that today’s conference is the start of the State significantly increasing its involvement in the form of funding, staffing, facilities, coordination and more. We look forward to working with the court and parties to ensure our clients’ well-being and safety, in accordance with all court orders and local laws.” Background: The next court conference on Callahan v. Carey is scheduled for August 16th at 2:15 PM before New York State Supreme Court Judge Erika Edwards. The courtroom is located at 60 Centre Street – Part 10, Room 412 in Manhattan. Legal Aid and others will hold a media availability for press outside the courthouse following the conference.
