Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Herold Dasque, Representative of Haitian American United for Progress (HAUP)
5:22:55
·
3 min
Herold Dasque, representing Haitian American United for Progress (HAUP), testified about the importance of language access services for immigrants and refugees in New York City. He urged the City Council to restore and expand funding for these services, highlighting their essential role in helping immigrants access vital resources.
- HAUP has been serving NYC's immigrant and refugee communities since 1975, offering services such as immigration assistance and ESL instruction.
- Dasque emphasized the need for skilled interpreters and culturally competent language services to help immigrants navigate complex systems.
- He mentioned HAUP's participation in the Language Justice Collaborative and the strain on their programs due to recent funding cuts.
Herold Dasque
5:22:55
Good afternoon all.
5:22:59
My name is Harold Dask and I'm here on behalf of Haitian American United for Progress, H A U P, a nonprofit organization that has proudly served New York City immigrants and refugees community since 1975.
5:23:18
Hope's mission is to empower immigrants and refugees by providing the tools and support the need to thrive.
5:23:26
We offer a range of essential services including immigration assistance, English as second language instruction, maternal and infant health program.
5:23:38
Our work is guided by the principle of equity, access, dignity, helping community members navigate complex system with confidence and respect.
5:23:52
One of the greatest challenges facing immigrant New Yorkers today is language access.
5:23:59
Without access to skilled interpreters and culturally competent language services, individuals are often unable to obtain vital resources such as legal aid, healthcare, housing, and education.
5:24:16
As our city's immigrant population continues to grow, the need for comprehensive language access services becomes more urgent.
5:24:26
The Language Access Coalition representing immigrants from Africa, Asia, Central America and The Caribbean has proposed the development of language banks and interpreters cooperative.
5:24:40
These initiatives are essential to ensuring that all New Yorkers regardless of language can fully access the services they need and deserve.
5:24:52
This year marks hopes first as a member of the Language Justice Collaborative with support from this initiative, we've invested in the language proficiency testing, interpreter and staff training and program development to strengthen our language access services.
5:25:12
These investments have been vital to expanding our capacity and improving service quality.
5:25:20
At the same time, Hope has experienced significant cut in federal, state and city funding due to recent policy changes.
5:25:30
This reduction have placed enormous strain on our program just as demand for services continue to rise.
5:25:39
Today, we respectfully urge the City Council to restore and expand funding for language access services.
5:25:48
Without sustained investment, community based organizations like HOPE will struggle to meet the needs of the people we serve.
5:25:57
Language access is not a privilege.
5:26:00
It is a fundamental right and a vital public good.
5:26:04
I thank you for your time, your leadership, and your continued commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive New York City.
5:26:11
Thank you.