Bill > A02134

This bill addresses funding disparities in New York's supportive housing programs by creating a five-year opportunity for providers in the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) to upgrade their contract rates to match the more comprehensive Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) levels. Currently, NYSSHP provides only $2,964 per year for individuals and $3,900 for families, which has led to significant financial challenges for providers, with one-third having to merge, close, or stop providing services in the past two decades. In contrast, ESSHI provides $25,000 per unit and covers both service and operating costs for various populations including veterans, domestic violence survivors, and the elderly. The legislation allows NYSSHP providers in good standing to participate in a request for proposal to increase their contract rates to ESSHI levels during a five-year window, with the goal of preventing the loss of supportive housing units and ensuring providers can continue offering comprehensive social services alongside housing. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will be responsible for establishing the rules and regulations to implement this act, which is set to take effect on the first day of January following its passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2134