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Friday, July 29, 2022
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use
NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE, COALITION ISSUE REPORT EXPLORING HOW TO END HOMELESSNESS BY 2026
The Committee to End Homelessness by 2026– a coalition convened by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams of attorneys, housing specialists and directly impacted individuals– released a new report today aimed at providing a roadmap to end the city’s longstanding and systemic homelessness crisis over the next four years. The comprehensive report illustrates the root causes of homelessness, the issues within the current system, and what’s needed to safely house every New Yorker and end homelessness as New Yorkers experience it today by 2026.
“We're in a moment when the homelessness crisis is worsening, a wave of pending evictions threatens to worsen it, and homeless individuals are being targeted, demonized, and dehumanized,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “It’s incumbent on us to protect unhoused New Yorkers and ensure their swift transition out of shelters into permanent housing. Right now, as encampment sweeps continue in the five boroughs, the city’s doing this out of order. You can’t just tell homeless people to leave public spaces without having enough safe places for them to go. We have the tools to end homelessness as we know it in New York City by 2026, but we need the political will to prioritize truly helping unhoused New Yorkers, not just pushing them out of sight.”
The report, which comes during Homeless Rights Month, reimagines the New York City budget with the aim of transforming the current housing and shelter administrative agencies into a system that provides housing for all; describes a supportive, humane, and safe shelter system for people in crisis; and details a blueprint for transitioning from a system focused on temporary housing to a system that offers permanent housing solutions for all New Yorkers.
The report lays out a blueprint that is ambitious but not theoretical, and one that becomes more difficult the longer the city waits to act. It details the need for:
- Privacy and dignity in shelters instead of congregate settings
- On-site services for New Yorkers living in shelters
- Expanded resources to help those in shelters quickly access permanent housing
- Dramatic reductions in the amount of time people spend in shelters before accessing permanent housing
- Substantial financial investment in keeping New Yorkers in their homes
Homelessness is a direct result of a lack of regulated and unregulated housing; and as housing in the five boroughs grows even more affordable, this report demonstrates how New York City is entirely unprepared for a magnified housing and homelessness crisis. While the most effective solution to homelessness is to provide permanent, affordable housing, with support for those who need them, shelters are necessary to rapidly respond to those who need immediate assistance. Unfortunately, as the report details, New York City’s focus on expanding shelters rather than permanent housing has resulted in overcrowded shelters and a limited supply of affordable housing options.
Instead, the report calls on the city to improve its existing shelters so they best serve their residents’ needs, provide social services to housed New Yorkers to prevent homelessness, and build an abundance of permanent, affordable housing. Shelters must prepare their residents to transition back into permanent housing by providing healthcare, social workers, and other supportive services. After utilizing those resources, shelter residents then need permanent, safe, and affordable housing options. The city can and must also prevent homelessness in the first place by providing additional support to residents at-risk of homelessness.
In March of 2020, when there were more unhoused New Yorkers than at any other point in the city’s history, a group of organizations who service all aspects of homelessness came together on a mission to address and end the homelessness crisis in New York City. This report is the culmination of that work.
“Open Hearts is thrilled to contribute to the Committee to End Homelessness by 2026. This report tackles homelessness head-on by addressing root causes and laying the foundation for change. Our recommendations are based on countless interviews with directly impacted people, service providers, and advocates. Together they outline a powerful plan to end homelessness as a semi-permanent limbo and instead get people rapidly into housing, with shelters acting as an emergency transitional mechanism that cares for mental and physical health. This July, which is Homeless Rights Month, New York City must adopt these recommendations and stop the sweeps, fast-track housing, and provide shelter with privacy and dignity for all," said Corinne Low, Executive Director of the Open Hearts Initiative.
Read the full report on ending the homelessness crisis here.
State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Over 100,000 New Yorkers Face Steep Health Insurance Cost Hikes Without Federal Action
Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera Sounds the Alarm to Keep Health Costs Low
State Senator Gustavo Rivera alongside 20 of his colleagues in the New York State Senate penned a letter to the New York congressional delegation urging them to take action to stop the expiration of critical health insurance premium subsidies. If Congress fails to take action in the coming weeks, premium tax credits and assistance included in the American Rescue Plan will expire at the end of this year. These subsidies allow low-income New Yorkers to access no-cost insurance and further extends premium assistance to households where healthcare costs are a significant portion of their income, which significantly offsets the high cost of private insurance premiums for more than 100,000 New Yorkers. If these programs are not extended, experts estimate that New Yorkers will see insurance premiums increase by 58% on average, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy.
"New Yorkers are facing higher prices across the board, so I'm urging my congressional colleagues to stop health insurance costs from skyrocketing by extending critical premium assistance included in the American Rescue Plan," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, 33rd District, The Bronx. "Potential expiration of premium assistance is a dire situation that puts over hundred thousand New Yorkers at risk of drastic health coverage cost increases or losing health coverage entirely. I'm sounding the alarm to extend premium assistance and no-cost health coverage to prevent potentially devastating disruptions in our healthcare system."
Read letter here.
Governor Hochul Directs Department of Environmental Conservation to Issue Drought Watch for 21 New York Counties
Map of New York State Drought Conditions Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue a drought watch for 21 New York counties after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.
"Recent rains across the state were not enough to address the dry conditions that have persisted this year," Governor Hochul said. "Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources will be crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage should conditions worsen."
The counties under drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genessee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Wyoming, and Yates. A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch.
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Conserving water is important all year long, but particularly during extended dry periods like we are experiencing now. DEC will continue to monitor water conditions as the summer continues and work with our partners to help address the short-term water issues leading to this watch and the longer-term impacts of climate change on our everyday lives."
While few public water supply challenges have been reported due to dry conditions, below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low streamflows, and low groundwater levels prompted the need for action to ensure adequate public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.
The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.
DEC and U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. Observed precipitation has been less than normal with shortfalls of two to six inches common over the last 90 days. The dry weather began in the spring and is beginning to significantly affect other metrics. Stream flows and groundwater levels are well below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have been declining over the past few months and they are not expected to improve in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit.
The National Weather Service outlook for the remainder of the summer predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation. By voluntarily reducing water usage, and being extra careful with fire and outdoor flames, New Yorkers can help conserve our natural resources during these dry days of summer.
To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:
- Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
- Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
- Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and
- Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.
For more water saving tips, visit DEC's webpage at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5009.html. For more information about drought in New York, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5011.html
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY HAS UNLOCKED MORE THAN $4.2 BILLION IN CONTRACTUAL DOLLARS FOR NONPROFITS THROUGH “CLEAR THE BACKLOG INITIATIVE”
More Than 2600 Previously Unregistered Contracts Have Now Been Registered or Submitted for Registration, Allowing Nonprofits to Get Paid More Quickly
Initiative Fulfills Key Recommendation of Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time Convened by Mayor and Comptroller
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) today announced more than $4.2 billion in contractual dollars unlocked through the ‘Clear the Backlog’ initiative, a key recommendation of the Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time. Launched on May 9th, this 12-week initiative to clear the existing backlog has resulted in 2600 previously unregistered, retroactive contract actions being registered or submitted for registration, helping 451 providers. Earlier this year, Mayor Adams and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released “A Better Contract for New York: A Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time,” which identified concrete steps to reform and improve the city’s procurement process, particularly for human services providers. Among the key recommendations was an initiative to clear the backlog of unregistered, retroactive contracts and amendments to allow nonprofits who are owed considerable funds to begin invoicing as expeditiously as possible.
“For too long, non-profits have been crushed by the boulder of bureaucracy and rolls of red tape, but we are clearing the backlog and finally giving non-profits the resources they’re owed to continue delivering the services New Yorkers have come to rely on,” said Mayor Adams. “Non-profits handle some of our city’s most pressing issues, but our city's inefficiency has forced some providers to take out loans in order to pay staff and to keep the lights on. Over the last 12 weeks, however, we’ve cleared the backlog and unlocked over $4.2 billion dollars for more than 460 large and small providers. And we are putting new streamlined processes into place so we don’t get bogged down in backlogs again — now or in the future. This is a textbook example of ‘Getting Stuff Done,’ and I thank MOCS for their tireless work on this issue.”
“Nonprofit providers deliver essential services to New Yorkers every day, yet bureaucratic inertia and archaic processes have prevented the city from making good on its obligations to them; however, this administration is committed to treating its providers as the true partners they are,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “We are committed to tackling this backlog problem in a collaborative way, working in partnership with agency heads, the comptroller's office, and the commissioner-appointed project managers at each agency. This initiative is a testament to what can be done when you break down agency silos, provide executive support and accountability, and align collaborative planning with strategic action. Put simply: This is how you ‘Get Stuff Done.’”
“For too long, our valued nonprofit partners have provided services to kids, families, individuals, and communities across NYC, while being unsure about when their next paycheck would come from the city,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Under the Adams administration, we are setting a new standard by paying providers in a more efficient and timely fashion. Thank you to our government partners, particularly MOCS, and to all our service provider partners - we rely on you, we appreciate you, and we thank you for all you do to support your fellow New Yorkers.”
“Today’s announcement proves our city is moving in the right direction under the leadership of Mayor Adams and his administration,” said Mayor’s Office of Contract Services Director Lisa M. Flores. “More than just a recommendation from the Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time, the ‘Clear the Backlog’ Initiative has become a path for New York City to rebuild its relationships with and reaffirm its commitment to our nonprofit partners serving New Yorkers across the five boroughs. What we accomplished over the last few weeks in partnership with the mayor and Comptroller Lander is just the beginning.”
“Even before day one, Mayor Adams and I were working together to address the roadblocks, speed bumps and snags in the contracting process that stymies the critical work of organizations providing essential services for New Yorkers,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “Our mission has been to achieve timely payments to responsible contractors, while maintaining appropriate oversight to prevent abuses. I’m proud to announce that our office has registered over 12,000 contracts since January and will continue to work in partnership with city agencies and City Hall to clear the backlog and ensure nonprofit providers can continue providing everything from early childhood education to senior center lunches.”
This groundbreaking initiative was made possible by the intense coordination and commitment of resources by various city agencies, oversight bodies, and partners. This includes agencies impacted by the backlog: the New York City Department of Social Services, the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, the New York City Department for the Aging, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the New York City Department of Probation, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the New York City Department of Education, the New York City Department of Homeless Services, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Oversight entities, such as the New York City Law Department, the New York City Office of Management and Budget, and MOCS have devoted their efforts and staff to streamlining approvals.
The process was spearheaded by Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, in partnership with Comptroller Lander.
Earlier this year, Mayor Adams and MOCS announced the beta launch of PASSPort Public, a data transparency portal that provides unprecedented insight into the city’s main procurement system. PASSPort Public beta makes current information, at all stages of the procurement process, available to city vendors, not-for-profits, and the public, fulfilling another recommendation of the Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time and to build transparency and accountability among all stages of the contracting and procurement process.
“Under the leadership of Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Director Lisa Flores of the Office of Contract Services and through the hard work of all of our agency partners, the administration has been able to clear many of the hurdles that have created challenges for non-profits that deliver essential services to New Yorkers," said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo.
“Non-profits are, and continue to be, vital to our students, families and city, consistently working to improve the lives of our youngest New Yorkers,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “Through the Clear the Backlog Initiative, the Department of Education has had the opportunity to make improvements to ensure efficient processing on non-profit related items, and we are looking forward to continuing this work beyond this initiative.”
“Nonprofits are the backbone of our city. They know their communities and deliver critical services to New Yorkers in need. Especially for housing, partnerships with nonprofits allow us to build homes that are shaped for the neighborhood and residents that need it,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “For too long though, big bureaucracy failed these vital partners by delaying payments and forcing them to operate without necessary dollars. I am proud of our partners in government for coming together to recognize that our New York City must elevate and strengthen nonprofits and for clearing out this backlog. Congratulations to everyone for achieving this major milestone.”
“Strong partnership and the services provided by ACS’s nonprofit providers are essential to keeping children safe and families supported. ACS is grateful to Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Wright, Deputy Mayor Williams-Isom, MOCS Commissioner Flores, and Comptroller Lander for this concentrated effort to clear the backlog so contracts could be registered,” said Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “ACS has cleared our entire backlog during this 12 week period and so I also want to thank the ACS team from ACCO, Legal and Finance for leading the agency’s efforts.”
“Mayor Adams’ commitment to a fair, equitable, and efficient procurement system that works for the city is only one example of the promises made and promises kept to our nonprofit partners,” said Deanna Logan, director, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. “Clearing the backlog under the leadership of Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright acknowledges the essential services and supports our partners provide to New York City. It is an important first step in resetting the problems that have plagued City contracting for decades, but it is just that — a first step. We continue to work seamlessly as one city to implement the goals of the Joint Task Force and to reform procurement to ensure a better sustainable process that benefits everyone in the city of New York.”
“I am grateful for Mayor Adams’ and Comptroller Lander’s commitment to a procurement system that works for our city’s nonprofits, instead of working against them,” said Michelle Jackson, executive director, Human Services Council of New York. “It is outrageous that the nonprofits who work tirelessly to make our city better have not been fairly compensated in a timely manner. This task force is an important first step, and the resources committed by the city to clear the backlog demonstrate that our city’s leaders are serious about fixing this issue once and for all. I look forward to our continued partnership in clearing the backlog of contracts that are holding our essential nonprofits back from their full potential.”
“CPC applauds the Joint Task Force to Get Nonprofits Paid on Time, co-led by Mayor Adams and Comptroller Lander, for clearing the backlog of contract registrations for city contracted nonprofit organizations,” said Wayne Ho, president and CEO, Chinese-American Planning Council. “CPC alone is still waiting on nearly $7 million from the city for critical services provided last fiscal year to Asian American, immigrant and low-income communities, ranging from child care and youth services to senior programs and pandemic-related services. Ensuring that nonprofit contracts are registered and paid on time will help provide continuous, high-quality services to underserved New Yorkers. We look forward to continuing to work with the mayor and comptroller to deliver these vital services.”
“The improvements in the registration contract system at the mayor’s office has enabled us to clear out NYJTL’s backlogged contracts and brought us up to current, real-time payments,” said Udai Tambar, CEO and president, New York Junior Tennis & Learning. “This efficiency considerably and positively impacts our ability to pay our staff in a timely fashion and provide critical services to communities in need.”
“United Way of New York City is proud to have taken a leadership role in coalescing recommendations and reforms to align with Mayor Adams’s commitment to improving non-profit contracting and procurement processes,” said Grace Bonilla, president and CEO, United Way of New York City. “The work of the Joint Task Force is transformative towards ensuring equity, transparency, and reduced inefficiency throughout these systems while improving nonprofits’ capacity and management practices. This is an essential step to ensure our city’s non-profit community is equipped and able to best serve New Yorkers.”