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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Gabriela Sandoval Requena, Director of Policy and Communications at New Destiny Housing
5:53:49
ยท
156 sec
Gabriela Sandoval Requena from New Destiny Housing testified about the importance of housing solutions for domestic violence survivors and the potential impact of federal budget cuts on their programs. She highlighted the organization's work and presented four key priorities for the city to support survivors.
- New Destiny Housing is the only organization in NYC focused solely on permanent housing solutions for domestic violence survivors
- Domestic violence is the leading cause of family homelessness in New York, surpassing evictions
- The organization warned about the devastating impact of proposed federal budget cuts, especially to HUD-funded programs
- Four priorities were presented: enhancing city FHEPS vouchers, expediting NYCHA emergency transfers, investing in ENDGBV's micro-grant program, and supporting the NYC Fifteen/Fifteen reallocation proposal
Gabriela Sandoval Requena
5:53:49
Of course.
5:53:50
I'm Gabriela Sandoval Requena, the one with the most complicated name of the panel probably.
5:53:56
Good afternoon, Ter Brennan, Deputy Speaker Ayala, and Council Member Hudson, and City Council Central Staff for the opportunity to testify at this long but very important preliminary budget hearing.
5:54:09
Again, my name is Gabriela Sandoval Requena.
5:54:11
I am the director of policy and communications at New Destiny Housing.
5:54:16
New Destiny is the only organization in New York City that is 100% focused on permanent housing solutions for domestic violence survivors.
5:54:27
We implemented the first rapid rehousing program in New York City, and we're also the largest provider of supportive housing in New York, supportive housing that is exclusive for domestic violence survivors, is including Raven Hall in your district, Ter Brennan.
5:54:43
New Destiny is also a co convener of the Family Homelessness Coalition.
5:54:47
Why do we do this work?
5:54:49
Because domestic violence is the leading cause of family homelessness in New York.
5:54:54
It pushes more families into shelter than evictions and because access to affordable and a safe home is key for survivors to leave their abuser and really stay alive.
5:55:08
We are going to submit extended written testimony, but I wanna spend this time to just highlight our priorities.
5:55:15
The proposed federal budget cuts will be devastating for domestic violence survivors, specifically the cuts to the programs that are funded through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD.
5:55:27
Since 02/2018, New Destiny has received HUD funding to help hundreds of survivors find a safe, affordable home in New York City.
5:55:36
And in many cases, we also provide temporary rental assistance to them.
5:55:41
But our program and hundreds of others like it in New York City are at risk of disappearing.
5:55:47
So this year, more than ever, we need our city to step up and protect survivors.
5:55:53
One is to enhance city febs vouchers.
5:55:56
Just a few more seconds.
5:55:57
Thank you.
5:55:58
Two is to expedite NYCHA emergency transfers for domestic violence survivors.
5:56:04
And if I may add, this is a budget neutral administrative decision.
5:56:09
Three is to invest $6,000,000 in NGBV's micro grant program for domestic violence survivors.
5:56:16
And four is investing in New York City Fifteen Fifteen reallocation as the supportive housing network of New York proposes.
5:56:23
Thank you and I'm happy to answer your questions.