Group organizations rallied at Metropolis Corridor to name on Gov. Hochul to signal the SAFE Shelter Act into legislation.
Photograph by Lloyd Mitchell
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A gaggle of neighborhood organizations banded collectively to name on Gov. Kathy Hochul to signal a invoice meant to assist victims of home violence and their households.
On Dec. 18, members of the neighborhood organizations Protected Horizon, City Useful resource Institute, and Volunteers of America-Larger New York gathered at Metropolis Corridor, calling for the passage of the SAFE Shelter Act. Sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, the invoice would authorize sure shelters for home violence victims to be reimbursed for any fee differential for housing a single particular person in a room supposed for double occupancy within the occasion {that a} single room isn’t obtainable.
“Single adult trafficking survivors, any survivor who does not have children with her, face enormous difficulty trying to get into a domestic violence shelter,” mentioned Liz Roberts, CEO of Protected Horizon. “The concept could not be simpler and more sensible. Allow domestic violence shelter providers like Safe Horizon and the others here today to downsize a road that’s meant for one adult and one child to instead accommodate a single adult whose life is in danger.”
Liz Roberts (heart) addresses the gang.Photograph by Lloyd Mitchell 
Group organizations rallied at Metropolis Corridor to name on Gov. Hochul to signal the SAFE Shelter Act into legislation.Photograph by Lloyd Mitchell
Roberts, who was on the duty led by Meeting Member Andrew Hevesi that led to the creation of the SAFE Shelter Act, famous that Hochul said her primary precedence is the protection for all New Yorkers, and that is the logical subsequent step.
“We believe all of us here today and many, many more New Yorkers across the city across the state that a proven path, one of the most proven reliable paths to safety for survivors of gender-based violence is accessing emergency shelter. It simply is the best course for so many,” mentioned Roberts.
New York sees 1000’s of victims of home violence yearly. The teams report most rooms within the home violence emergency shelter system are designed to accommodate households of two, three, or extra.
Photograph by Lloyd Mitchell 
Photograph by Lloyd Mitchell
“Last year alone, we answered about 100,000 domestic violence calls here in New York City alone. About half of those people were single survivors — we were only able to place 18% of them,” mentioned Kelly Coyne, Chief Program Officer of Protected Horizons. “So many people had to go to other systems, other grants, and other less safe places to go because they weren’t able to gain access to our shelter. Governor, this bill is on your desk. It’s really simple. Please sign it. Survivors need you today.”
“Signing the bill will save lives, offering survivors the shelter and stability they desperately need. Failing to act will leave countless individuals in danger for another year. Is that acceptable? Governor Hochul, the time is now. Survivors cannot wait. Let’s take this step to ensure safety and equity for all,” mentioned New York Metropolis Council Member Rita Joseph.
