ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL SERVICES
ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH AND
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Since its inception in the 1980s, Supportive Housing has become one of the most cost-effective methods of combating homelessness amongst high-risk populations in New York State including individuals and families affected by mental illness. By providing secure, stable accommodations and services to individuals and families who may not otherwise have access to permanent affordable living arrangements, Supportive Housing allows residents to receive individualized supports including access to case management, crisis intervention, mental health treatment, job training and placement programs, and support services for families. Permanent housing coupled with these services lends tenants the opportunity to focus on treatment and self-sufficiency while remaining in the community and out of institutional or higher cost settings.
The Committees seek to obtain a better understanding of supportive housing programs available to individuals including those with mental illness including services offered, available sources of funding and how such programs have been impacted by the enacted 2012-13 State Budget. The Committees also intend to gain further understanding on the funding streams available to Supportive Housing initiatives, including the roles of the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) in facilitating such sources of funding.
Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committees at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.
Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.
Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.
In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committees' interest in hearing testimony from all sources.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.
Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on Supportive Housing Services are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: