PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Cheyanne Deopersaud, Representative of Center for Fair Futures
7:15:38
·
112 sec
Cheyanne Deopersaud, representing the Center for Fair Futures and Next 100, testified in strong support of the City of Yes Housing Initiative. She emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing solutions for youth transitioning out of the foster care system, highlighting the high risk of homelessness among this vulnerable population.
- 1 in 4 youth in foster care become homeless within 4 years of aging out
- High housing costs in NYC make it nearly impossible for youth transitioning out of foster care to find stable, affordable housing
- Urged the city council to prioritize affordable housing for young people in and transitioning out of foster care through measures like setting aside units in new developments, offering targeted rental assistance, and providing supportive services
Cheyanne Deopersaud
7:15:38
Hi, everyone.
7:15:39
It's good to see a chairperson and speaker and city council members.
7:15:42
My name is Cheyenne, and I'm here to testify on behalf of the center for fair futures in next 100, which are organizations dedicated to improving outcomes for youth and young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.
7:15:55
Today, we express our strong support for the city of yes housing initiative and emphasize the urgent need for affordable housing solutions to ensure that young people in the foster care system can thrive young adults in foster care are some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
7:16:09
And as they age out of foster care, many face immense challenges, including housing instability.
7:16:15
In fact, an average of 1 out of 4 youth in the foster care system will become homeless within 4 years of aging out of foster care.
7:16:23
In New York City, the high cost of housing makes it nearly impossible for many youth transitioning out of foster care to find stable, affordable places to live, leaving them at increased risk of homelessness and other negative outcomes.
7:16:36
Without stable housing, these young people face an uphill battle as they complete their education, try to find employment, and build independent lives.
7:16:44
We urge the city council to take additional steps to prioritize affordable housing for young people in foster care and young adults transitioning out of care and setting aside units in new developments offering targeted rental assistance and supportive services for them.
7:16:58
Doing so can help prevent homelessness among this population and provide them with the stability they need to succeed.
7:17:05
As a youth from the system since I was fifteen years old, I understand the firsthand experiences of how critical stable housing is for young people in foster care.
7:17:14
With the right support, these young people can go on to these successful independent lives.
7:17:18
We believe that the city of yes initiative is vital to creating a future where all young people, including those aging out of foster care, have access to state, quality, affordable housing.
7:17:29
Thank you.
