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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Anita Kwok, Policy Analyst at United Neighborhood Houses on Intro 998
1:30:38
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126 sec
Anita Kwok, representing United Neighborhood Houses, testifies in support of Intro 998 regarding cooling centers in New York City. She emphasizes the importance of cooling centers in the face of climate change and increasing heat waves, while highlighting challenges faced by organizations operating these centers.
- Poor interagency communication and conflicting guidance from multiple city agencies
- Lack of additional staffing support or compensation for extended hours of operation
- Insufficient funding for amenities, activities, and HVAC system repairs in cooling centers
Anita Kwok
1:30:38
Thank you chair Schulman for convening convening today's hearing on intro nine nine eight.
1:30:41
My name is Anita Kwok, a policy analyst representing United Neighborhood Houses, a policy advocacy organization representing settlement houses in New York.
1:30:48
Our members operate senior centers, youth centers, and community centers, which serves as cooling centers.
1:30:53
These sites are vital as part of our city's emergency response.
1:30:56
And as climate change accelerates, the likelihood of more frequent and intense heat waves increases, and the city must have a plan to keep people safe, especially those who are at risk of medical conditions such as older adults.
1:31:08
UNH supports Intro nine ninety eight, but while the bill sets strong expectations, the city must also ensure that the organizations are some are supported in meeting these expectations.
1:31:19
As one of our members bluntly puts it, cooling centers are critical, but we do not like being a cooling center.
1:31:24
There's poor interagency communication that makes operating a cooling center frustrating.
1:31:29
Our members work with multiple agencies like NYC Aging, DYCD, DOHMH, NYCHA, and NYSEM and are often told conflicting things about responsibilities and procedures.
1:31:39
We recommend a designated cooling SAR to coordinate citywide operations, serve as a single point of contact, and ensure all agencies and nonprofits receive clear unified guidance.
1:31:50
We also have staffing concerns because cooling centers often need to be open outside of regular hours including weekends, but no additional staffing support or pay is provided.
1:31:58
And we urge the city to provide to fairly compensate nonprofit workers through time and a half for stipends and provide a pool of city workers to support staff to help staff cooling centers.
1:32:08
There's also a concern on the lack of funding and reimbursements for CBOs that operate cooling centers.
1:32:13
Sites receive no funding for snacks or activities.
1:32:15
People will leave a cooling center if there's nothing to do.
1:32:18
Computers, TVs, and similar devices aren't standard amenities.
1:32:22
And though they may be available at select sites, we urge the city to implement a policy of providing reimbursements to nonprofits for meals and activities at their cooling centers.
1:32:29
In addition, we urge the the city to invest more capital funds to to repair HVAC systems.
1:32:34
These recommendations will not only increase the utility of cooling centers and but they'll also save lives.
1:32:40
Please see my testimony for more.
1:32:42
Thank you.
1:32:43
Thank you very much.