General Information
Conference Helps Spread the Word on Supportive Housing
Supportive Housing Conference video (Microsoft WMV Info) (Size: 20.8 MB)
For more than 20 years, the Supportive Housing Network of New York and its members have been working tirelessly to educate the public about supportive housing and how it can benefit individuals and communities. The dynamic advocacy group recently celebrated its eighth annual conference in New York City, attracting more than 500 advocates, experts, and government officials from across the nation to the day-long gathering.
DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen joined a distinguished panel of state and city officials in a plenary panel to discuss some of the most urgent issues facing the supportive housing community - from NIMBY to the use of low income housing credits for development. She underscored the fact that state agencies are doing a better job of coordinating the planning and development of housing for persons with special needs, and that Governor Paterson has been a key supporter of this type of approach.
"I spend a lot of time with my colleagues here (at the dais), serving on various task forces and working groups where we've successfully identified, and eliminated, some of the purely bureaucratic impediments to developing housing," the Commissioner said. "I am encouraged by our progress, as I hope you are. Of course, it helps to have the endorsement of the State's Chief Executive and the guidance of a group like SHNNY when it comes to making meaningful change."
The day was full of workshops featuring many nationally-recognized experts on special needs and supportive housing issues. Participants engaged in stimulating discussions on a variety of topics: from housing for a growing number of veterans, to the ubiquitous NIMBY issue. At the "Being a Great Neighbor" workshop, a thoughtful DHCR-produced video (see top of story) on supportive housing debuted, along with a new anti-NIMBY public service announcement (http://affordablehousingworks.org/psas.htm), starring former NY Giant Tiki Barber. Both were very well received.
The Supportive Housing Network of New York represents more than 150 nonprofit organizations that develop and operate supportive housing across the state. With offices in New York City and Albany, the Network is the only supportive housing membership organization in New York State. It is the voice of the provider community that has created by far the largest, best-managed and most innovative supportive housing stock in the nation.
Established in 1988, the Network's membership continues to expand alongside the rapid growth of supportive housing. It now includes almost every supportive housing provider in the state, as well as over 60 affiliate and corporate partners. For more information, please visit their website at www.shnny.org.
Last updated on 06/19/08