PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dr. Henry Love, Vice President of Public Policy and Strategy at Women in Need Inc (Win)
4:35:36
ยท
119 sec
Dr. Henry Love, representing Women in Need Inc (Win), testified in support of a proposed zoning change for a new development project in Brooklyn that would create 61 affordable housing units. He emphasized the critical need for affordable housing for women and children in Brooklyn, highlighting the challenges faced by vulnerable families.
- Win is the largest provider of shelter and services for families experiencing homelessness in New York City, serving about 7,000 people nightly.
- Dr. Love stressed the importance of affordable housing in keeping families in New York City, which offers better protections for vulnerable communities compared to some other states.
- The proposed development is presented as a vital step in creating a more inclusive Brooklyn and giving 61 families a chance at a better future.
Dr. Henry Love
4:35:36
Perfect.
4:35:37
Good afternoon.
4:35:38
My name is doctor Henry Love.
4:35:39
I'm the vice president of public policy and strategy at Winn, a family homeless provider that's been serving vulnerable communities in Brooklyn for over 40 years.
4:35:47
We're the largest, provider of shelter and services for families experiencing homelessness in the country, and we operate 16 shelters across the 5 boroughs.
4:35:56
And in each night, about 7,000 people call Wind Home.
4:35:59
We support the proposed zoning change for the new development project in Brooklyn, which would create 61 affordable units.
4:36:04
These units are critical for families who are struggling to find safe, stable housing.
4:36:09
Finding affordable housing in Brooklyn is incredibly challenging, especially for women and children.
4:36:13
In a city where the cost of living continues to rise, women are often faced with systemic barriers like low wages, discrimination, and lack of family friendly housing options.
4:36:22
Many of the families we work with are forced into overcrowded apartments or shelters like the 2 we run-in the neighborhood.
4:36:28
The this project, which offers affordable housing, will directly address the issues and give women and children the stability that they desperately need.
4:36:36
The affordable housing prices in Brooklyn isn't just a local issue.
4:36:39
It's a part of a larger national trend of folks leaving New York City for cheaper red states.
4:36:44
However, the risk of moving to these states is real.
4:36:47
Many of these states have policies that threaten the livelihoods of women and families, especially with harmful agenda of former president Trump and others who push against workers' rights, reproductive health, basic protections for vulnerable communities.
4:36:59
New York City is one of the few places in the country that offers real protections for families, especially women, immigrants, and folks of color.
4:37:06
We must do everything we can to keep them here and to ensure that they have access to vital, affordable housing that they need.
4:37:13
The zoning proposal is a vital step in creating more inclusive Brooklyn, one where families can stay and thrive.
4:37:18
Approving this development means giving 61 families a chance at a better future.
4:37:22
It's an opportunity to strengthen our community and ensure that women with children aren't forced out of the city they call home.
4:37:28
I urge you to approve this project and continue support supporting affordable housing initiatives that help families stay in Brooklyn and keep New York City the welcoming place we all know