The need for homelessness services for individuals and families is currently at an all time high in the State as New Yorkers deal with the financial challenges presented by the continuing economic crisis. In the State Fiscal Year 2011-12 Enacted Budget, six homeless services programs were consolidated into two distinct funding streams: the Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP) and the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP). These funding streams, administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), were restructured and consolidated to allow counties greater flexibility in utilizing these funds to address the unique needs of their particular homeless populations.

The Committee seeks testimony on the implementation and effectiveness of these new consolidated funding streams including any articulated trends in the homeless population that are being addressed more efficiently due to the increased flexibility of the consolidated funding streams. The Committee is also seeking testimony on any best practices and programs that could be modeled across the state.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee 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 Committee's 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.

Michele Titus
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Social Services

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on Homeless Services are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: