Bill > S00136

This bill establishes a five-year window for entities participating in the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) to potentially increase their contract rates to match the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) levels. The legislation addresses a significant funding disparity between two supportive housing programs: NYSSHP, which was created in 1987 and provides only $2,964 per year for individuals and $3,900 for families, and ESSHI, created in 2016, which provides $25,000 per unit to cover services and operating costs. The bill acknowledges that the low NYSSHP funding has caused financial strain, with one-third of providers either merging, closing, or discontinuing services in the last two decades. Under this act, any NYSSHP provider in good standing can participate in a request for proposal to increase their contract rates up to ESSHI levels during the five-year period. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will be responsible for creating the necessary rules and regulations to implement this change, with the act set to take effect on the first day of January following its passage. The ultimate goal is to prevent the loss of supportive housing units and ensure providers can continue offering comprehensive services to vulnerable populations.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S136