NYC Council Has Spoken: New and Restored Funds to HSS!
By Henry Street Settlement
We are thrilled to report that last week the New York City Council awarded the Settlement funds to launch a new aftercare program in our homeless shelters, and also restored funding for after-school and summer camp at our Boys & Girls Republic (BGR).
The new aftercare program will provide supportive services to families leaving shelter to smooth the transition into permanent housing in their new community. This program was conceived to address recidivism among shelter residents – an issue that emerged from the dozens of focus groups and the Town Hall Meeting held last year, spearheaded by Henry Street’s advocacy team in collaboration with program staff.
“Our two-year advocacy initiative – which put our ears to the ground — revealed that many of our families were returning to shelter because of a dearth of support systems to help them face challenges,” said Jeremy Reiss, Deputy Development Officer for Public Policy and External Relations. “We identified a need and created a solution,” he said.
The aftercare program is the latest in a long list of effective advocacy efforts by the Settlement, reaching back to its founding. Henry Street put the first nurse in a public school; advocated for the creation of special education classrooms, free lunch and the study hall; opened one of the nation’s first playgrounds; advocated for racial equality, women’s rights and workers’ rights; and opened the nation’s first family shelter.
The restored funding for BGR – along with funds raised by supporters who responded to our recent appeal – will allow the Settlement to maintain and enhance the summer camp programming for the 100 campers who have enrolled.
“We are extremely grateful to City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Council Members Margaret Chin, Stephen Levin and Rosie Mendez who guided these essential funds to our programs, which help our vulnerable neighbors make better lives for themselves and their families,” said David Garza, Executive Director of Henry Street. “Our enlightened elected officials recognized the value of these programs and worked hard to make the funding available.”
