January 5, 2022 For Immediate Release Media contact: press@cfthomeless.org Coalition for the Homeless Statement in Response to Gov. Hochul’s 2022 State of the State Address The following statement can be attributed to Shelly Nortz, Deputy Executive Director for Policy with Coalition for the Homeless: “We are heartened by Gov. Hochul’s words of concern and compassion for homeless New Yorkers, and pleased that she recognizes some of the pressing problems that unnecessarily cause homelessness as well as some important solutions like supportive housing. Her forthcoming executive budget proposal will illuminate the adequacy and soundness of her proposals.” “But there should be no complacency when it comes to what lies ahead as the eviction moratorium expires. In the absence of additional funds needed to meet the extraordinary amount of pent-up demand for back rent and ongoing rent subsidies, easily in the billions of dollars, homelessness will rise rapidly in the months ahead, even as the Omicron variant surges. The Coalition for the Homeless urges Gov. Hochul to appropriate sufficient funds to keep New Yorkers facing eviction in their homes, provide adequate ongoing rental assistance to prevent and address homelessness for all New Yorkers, and extend the eviction moratorium. We also urge Gov. Hochul to protect those sleeping outside or in congregate shelters by requiring local social services districts to offer each a single-occupancy hotel room for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.” ###
