Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) Must be in Budget Deal.

I am writing to urge the NY State Congress and Gov. Hochul to include The Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) in this year’s budget. HAVP will provide essential state-funded rental subsidy vouchers to those at most risk; currently unhoused people, and those facing evictions, regardless of immigration status. HAVP has uniquely broad support, not just from Democratic lawmakers, but from housing and homeless advocates, the real estate industry, and the landlord lobby. A once-in-a-lifetime coalition! “Direct rental assistance is a proven cost-effective method of ensuring people can stay in their homes and access new ones if so preferred,” the Real Estate Board of New York said in testimony submitted at a March 1, joint legislative hearing on housing. In terms of pushback due to expense, Assemblymember Rosenthal has explained that “the state can regulate its costs by assessing both the need for rental vouchers as well as the state’s fiscal ability to pay for them, just as the federal government does for Section 8.” I believe it is imperative that the budget and affordable housing plan support both long and short terms solutions. HAVP addresses the most significant issue for those at risk, the ability to pay rent. Include and fund HAVP in this year’s state budget.