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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jason Cianciotto, VP of Policy at GMHC
5:47:42
ยท
157 sec
Jason Cianciotto from GMHC discusses two critical issues affecting their clients: potential loss of HASA housing subsidies due to Social Security COLA increases, and the threat of federal funding cuts to supportive housing and SNAP benefits.
- Advocates for including HIV Housing for New York policy in the final New York state budget to address HASA subsidy issues
- Raises concerns about potential cuts to HUD and HOPWA funding, which could affect GMHC's supportive housing units
- Highlights the devastating impact of proposed SNAP benefit cuts on GMHC clients
Jason Cianciotto
5:47:42
Hello, deputy speaker Ayala and committee members.
5:47:45
Thank you so much for sticking with us on this long day.
5:47:48
I'm Jason Sansciato, VP of policy from GMHC, Gay Men's Health Crisis founded in 1982 as the world's first HIV and AIDS services organization.
5:47:58
It's been a long day, so I'll get straight to the two points that I have.
5:48:01
The first is not something that is directly under the city council's control, but nonetheless is something I think is critically important for you all to know because it will affect folks who are receiving HASA housing subsidies.
5:48:15
For quite some time, GMHC has heard from clients who received thirty day notices that their HASA housing subsidy was going to come to an end because a Social Security insurance cost of living, adjustment, COLA, increase caused their income to rise above the income ceiling.
5:48:34
This has been happening more frequently because of the increases in SSI COLAs that came due to, higher inflation.
5:48:43
We have been working with the ending the epidemic coalition to advocate for Albany to, include in the forthcoming budget HIV housing for New York, which would not only expand a 30% rent cap to people living with HIV outside of New York City, but would also address this core problem by raising the income ceiling to, receive HASA housing subsidies to 200% of the FPL.
5:49:08
GMHC individually actually thinks it should be 250% of the FPL.
5:49:12
Unfortunately, the HIV Housing for New York policy only made it into the senate one house bill, and we have, significant concerns that it will, yet again not end up in the final budget, which means we will have even more clients who lose, their housing subsidy and subsequently their housing.
5:49:30
Anything that the council can do to help advocate that the HIV Housing for New York policy be included in the final New York state budget, we certainly would appreciate.
5:49:39
The second is related to the threats, from the federal government.
5:49:44
I just wanna share that the 400 or so, supportive housing units that GMHC provides are all paid for through HOPWA pass through funds through HUD COC in New York City.
5:49:58
So should, HUD be cut and HOPWA be cut, many of our our clients in housing could potentially lose that housing.
5:50:06
And of course, you've heard already about the proposed cuts to SNAP benefits, which would also be devastating to our clients.
5:50:12
We look forward to continuing working with you to address these, issues and welcome any questions you may have.
5:50:17
Thanks again so much for your support.