Albany, NY– In response to state legislators passing the Housing our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA Act), Citizen Action of New York President Ivette Alfonso, released the following statement:
“More than 90,000 New Yorkers were without permanent housing at any given time before the pandemic. This includes children and people with disabilities, and disproportionately impacts people of color. This was a crisis prior to the pandemic which only worsened during COVID-19. The Housing our Neighbors with Dignity Act will allow the state to convert unused hotels into permanent, affordable housing, prioritizing those who have lingered in New York’s shelter system for far too long.
“This important legislation is a step towards ensuring that every New Yorker has access to a safe and dignified home. Citizen Action is proud to have worked with Senator Gianaris, Assembly Member Reyes, and our coalition partners to ensure the creation of housing for the most impacted New Yorkers instead of those with the most resources. It is time to address the crisis of chronic homelessness in our state and seek opportunities to provide New Yorkers with the housing stability they need and deserve.”