REMARKS
Council Member Farah Louis gives opening remarks on supporting domestic violence survivors in NYC shelters
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Council Member Farah Louis, chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity, delivers opening remarks for a hearing on supporting domestic violence survivors in New York City's shelter system. She emphasizes the importance of safe housing for survivors and acknowledges the complexities of their situations.
- Louis thanks her colleagues, staff, and participants for their involvement in the hearing.
- She references a July 2024 report by New Destiny Housing on the challenges faced by domestic violence survivors.
- The council member stresses the importance of long-term housing stability for survivors' recovery and healing.
Farah Louis
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Thank you, deputy speaker Ayala.
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Good morning, everyone.
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My name is Sarah Lewis.
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I'm the chair of the Committee on Women And Gender Equity.
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I'd like to begin by thanking my colleague, deputy speaker, Diana Ayala, who is the chair of the Committee on General Welfare for holding this very important hearing.
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I would also like to welcome everyone else who is joining us here this morning.
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We appreciate your time and participation.
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Today, we are here to explore how best to support domestic violence survivors in the New York City shelter system.
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As the deputy speaker stated in her opening remarks, domestic violence is among the most common reasons individuals enter the shelter system.
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A recent July 2024 report by the new Destiny Housing has taken a comprehensive look at the unique barriers and challenges faced by persons who flee dangerous situation in order to seek safety for themselves and their families.
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Access to safe housing is the cornerstone which allows survivors of domestic violence to begin their road to recovery.
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Part of the pathway to health and healing for survivors must include foundational support of long term housing stability so people may access the supports and services they need to succeed.
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Safe housing is the key that allows people to begin to deal with the effects of trauma, economic hardship, and the physical and emotional aftermath of domestic violence.
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We know circumstances are different for every survivor, and there is no one size fits all solution for those who seek help in the New York City shelter system.
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That said, committees look for these committees look forward to hearing from the administration advocates to members of
John Rojas
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the public and other interested stakeholders including those who have lived experiences, who have taken the time to come here today to join us, and we thank you all for your time and advocacy.
Farah Louis
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I would also like to thank my own staff as well as those of other committee who worked hard to prepare for this hearing.
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Finally, I like to thank the Women And Gender Equity Committee staff, legislative council, Sahar Masami, legislative council, regional con Conte, senior legislative policy analyst, Christie Dreyer, Vita Yagnick, finance analyst, Rosa Martinez, assistant deputy director of data operations unit, as well as my legislative liaison, Daniel Heridia, Blake Shaw, and my new legislative fellow Mikaela Belmir I will now pass it to my colleague, W.
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Speak Ayala.
