Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Naima Dahir, Advocate from Arab American Family Support Center
3:43:06
ยท
132 sec
Naima Dahir from the Arab American Family Support Center urges the city council to provide emergency funding and support for community-based organizations serving vulnerable New Yorkers, particularly in light of recent federal policies affecting immigrant communities. She highlights the urgent need for continued mental health, domestic violence, and legal services.
- The organization faces a $1.1 million shortfall due to federal funding freezes
- Mental health referrals have surged by 80% since the inauguration of the new federal administration
- Dahir calls for reaffirmation of New York City's commitment as a sanctuary city and increased funding for CBOs serving at-risk families
Naima Dahir
3:43:06
Good afternoon chair of Ayala and members of the committee.
3:43:10
My name is Naima Dahir and I'm here on behalf of the Arab American Family Support Center with an urgent request.
3:43:16
Community based organizations like ours need immediate support to continue serving vulnerable New Yorkers.
3:43:22
Just weeks into the new administration federal administration, harmful policies are already having devastating impacts.
3:43:29
Our federally funded mental health and domestic violence programs face unprecedented shortfalls of one point sorry, 1,100,000.0 due to funding freezes.
3:43:40
Without intervention, these essential services including counseling and crisis intervention are at risk.
3:43:45
At the same time, immigrant communities are in growing danger.
3:43:49
Recent federal actions including ramped up ICE enforcement and targeting of Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, black, and South Asian communities have shown fear.
3:44:00
Families are withdrawing from public benefits, students are afraid to leave shelters, and mental health referrals at the Arab American Family Support Center has surged by 80% since inauguration date.
3:44:11
We are responding by expanding our mental health and legal services, strengthening security, and training staff to ensure our our spaces remain safe.
3:44:21
We need but we need the city's support.
3:44:23
We urge you to advocate for emergency city funding to help organizations like ours bridge federal funding gaps.
3:44:30
Publicly reaffirm New York City's commitment to being a sanctuary city by ensuring that city's agencies do not cooperate with unjust federal immigration enforcement.
3:44:41
Support legal protections and resources for immigrant communities facing increased enforcement threats.
3:44:47
Allocate additional funding to CBOs providing mental health, anti violence, and social services to at risk families.
3:44:55
Now is the time for bold action.
3:44:57
Our communities are in crisis and we cannot stand by as fertile policies threaten their safety and stability.
3:45:03
We ask for your partnership to ensure New York City remains a place for refuge and resilience.
3:45:10
Thank you for your leadership and the opportunity to testify today.
3:45:13
I look forward to working together to protect the most vulnerable amongst us.
3:45:17
Thank you so much.