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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Rachel Klepper, Research Analyst at United Neighborhood Houses
1:01:02
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3 min
Rachel Klepper from United Neighborhood Houses testifies about the impact of federal funding cuts on settlement houses and the communities they serve. She highlights the critical role of programs like Head Start and emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable New Yorkers from devastating funding reductions.
- Settlement houses report an average of 22% of their budgets come from federal sources, with some as high as 50%.
- Head Start, which serves 19,000 NYC children, is under threat due to abrupt closure of regional offices and potential funding cuts.
- UNH urges city leaders to speak out against federal cuts and support community-based organizations to ensure continued access to vital services.
Rachel Klepper
1:01:02
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
1:01:05
My name is Rachel Klepper, and I'm a research analyst at United Neighborhood Houses, a social a policy and social change organization representing neighborhood settlement houses that reach over 800,000 New Yorkers.
1:01:17
UNH thanks the council for its leadership as we strive to protect New Yorkers from potentially devastating actions from the federal government.
1:01:25
Settlement houses report that an average of 22% of their entire organizational budgets are funded from federal sources, either direct or state and local pass through, with some as high as 50%.
1:01:38
The elimination of federal funding could decimate programs while depriving settlement house community members of needed resources.
1:01:46
As we speak today about how to prepare for changes to federal funding, cuts and reductions in infrastructure are already underway.
1:01:53
The crisis is already occurring.
1:01:56
One federal funding stream under attack is Head Start, which provides early childhood care, education, and supports for 19,000 New York City children.
1:02:05
When community based organizations run Head Start, they do so with attention to the needs of entire families.
1:02:12
At one settlement house, a three year old attends Head Start while their parent is in job training and their grandparent visits the senior center.
1:02:21
Recent headlines indicate that the very existence of Head Start is in jeopardy.
1:02:25
The abrupt closure of five regional offices has left providers unsure how to move forward with payments, budget modifications, or contract renewals.
1:02:34
Providers continue to run programs, but they are deeply concerned, which I share more about in my written testimony.
1:02:41
Without Head Start, thousands of children would lose their programs and parents would be unable to afford childcare, meaning many might leave their jobs.
1:02:49
It is vital that city leaders reach out to members of congress to oppose all cuts to Head Start.
1:02:55
These threats compound the catastrophic impacts of other funding cuts affecting low income families.
1:03:02
UNH and our members are bracing for the devastating effects of enacted or potential cuts to programs, including the emergency food and shelter program, Medicaid, and SNAP.
1:03:13
Settlement houses were already struggling to meet the need for food, health care, and housing.
1:03:18
A 2023 UNH survey found that nearly one in three settlement house families were sometimes, often, or always unable to afford food for their children.
1:03:28
Funding cuts don't just affect programs, they harm the children, seniors, and families who rely on them.
1:03:35
Federal funding cuts reveal the administration's rejection of policies that support the most vulnerable.
1:03:41
Some settlement houses are concerned that they will be retaliated against if they speak out, putting their communities at even greater risk.
1:03:48
UNH needs you to speak out, share these stories, and urge federal lawmakers to oppose funding cuts.
1:03:55
We also urge city leaders to support their CBOs.
1:03:59
Settlement houses are places that people trust through challenges.
1:04:02
Reliable funding will go far to ensure communities have access to supports they need to thrive.
1:04:07
We look forward to continuing to partner with you to keep New York's neighborhood strong.